Pakistan captain Babar Azam on Wednesday (July 7) has categorically denied the team having the thoughts of abandoning the limited-overs tour of England, beginning with the first ODI on July 8 (Thursday) in Cardiff, due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the hosts’ camp.
Seven COVID-19 positive cases in the England team forced the entire team into self-isolation, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday announced a new squad, captained by Ben Stokes, for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan.
Reacting to the Coronavirus outbreak just before the white-ball series in England, Babar said it was disappointing news, but they even didn’t have a single thought of abandoning the tour having been assured by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ECB about their safety amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Babar said in a video conference on being asked if Pakistan had thought of abandoning a tour, “No, we didn't think about it, it didn't come into our minds at any time. The PCB and ECB have assured us that they will take care of the safety and health of all the squad members.”
He added, “We must understand that these are the unprecedented times of COVID-19. Then again I want to acknowledge my players that are spending time in bio-secure bubbles and we have prepared in that. We are focusing on cricket and tomorrow's game. Of course, it was disappointing news and we must understand that we would not get the ideal situation because of the COVID-19 situation.”
Meanwhile, England is the ODI World Cup champions and No.1 ranked team in the ODI cricket, but Azam insisted that Pakistan is ready for the challenge in the ODI series starting on Thursday.
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The skipper further noted, “We know most of them but there were a couple of new faces in the squad. We sat together with the analyst, we worked on them, we have seen footage of their county matches and we can't take any player playing for England lightly.”
Having played for the English side Somerset in both the County Championship and T20 Blast in recent years, Babar feels it will help Pakistan in the upcoming series in England.
He signed off by saying, “I know a few of them having played in the T20 Blast, and those we don't know we have researched their performances. We are expecting good cricket tomorrow. I have been in good touch and I know my responsibilities.”
(With PTI Inputs)
