‘We don't focus on what is happening in the PCB’ - Pakistan captain Babar Azam brushes aside speculations of management shake up affecting his team ahead of Sri Lanka tour

Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, in a recent press conference, talked about changes in Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its impact on the team. Moreover, he also reflected on playing the arch-rivals India in their backyard in the upcoming ODI World Cup. In the same vein, Pakistan’s star batter shrugged away all the speculations regarding changes in the selection committee and leadership role affecting his side.

Furthermore, Babar also talked about the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, as his side will be working with Mickey Arthur in the new set-up. Sri Lanka and Pakistan will clash on July 16, with the commencement of the first Test in Galle. Meanwhile, the visiting skipper was also asked about playing the arch-rivals at the biggest stage to which he replied that the 'Men in Green' are not just focussing on a single match but rather on a broader goal of lifting the world cup.

“We don't focus on what is happening in the PCB. We just focus on cricket. We have the entire schedule of our coming matches before us and we know what needs to be done to win matches as professionals,” said Babar while addressing a press conference.

Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi did not want to be a bone of contention

Speaking of the current situation of Pakistan cricket's apex body, the former interim chairman Najam Sethi has been replaced by the newly appointed PCB chief, Zaka Ashraf. Notably, Sethi was not interested to continue his tenure as he stated that there was a lot of politics involved in the board.

Fascinatingly enough, Ashraf has earlier been the PCB chairman back in 2011, when he succeeded Ijaz Bhatt. Thereafter, former cricketer Ramiz Raza took over until bad performances in the home series played against New Zealand, which led to his exit. As a result, Sethi was made the interim head of PCB in December, last year.