Imran Khan had shared with us the experience of 1992 WC before team came to UAE: Babar Azam

Pakistan are set to face India on Sunday (October 24) in the T20 World Cup. Ahead of the blockbuster clash, skipper Babar Azam said the country’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has spoken with the players and shared his experience of the 1992 World Cup. Under the astute and inspirational leadership of Imran, Pakistan defied all odds and managed to beat England in the final to win its maiden World Cup.

At one stage of the showpiece event in 1992, Pakistan were down and out, when they lost four games. But the then captain Imran didn’t lose hope and scripted a memorable turnaround. Imran, who is the country’s Prime Minister now, has shared his experience of the memorable journey to the Azam-led team, who will aim to win the T20 World Cup for the second time.

“Before coming, we had a meeting and in that he (Imran) had shared his experience, about what was his mindset in the 1992 World Cup, what was his and the team’s body language,” Babar said on the eve of his team’s clash against arch-rivals India.

Azam further opined  Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja’s message to give 100 percent in the tournament and play with freedom. “Look, the chairman told us, ‘the calmer you keep yourself and the more you keep things simple that will be better.

The Pakistan skipper also said Raja told to believe in your abilities and play with a calm mindset during the global event. “Let the outside things remain outside and they should not come inside. Keep believing in yourself and give your hundred percent on the day,” added 27-year-old Babar.

We Know the conditions well: Babar Azam

Interestingly, Pakistan have never beaten India in the T20 World Cups on their five previous attempts. The pressure is huge on the Azam-led side but he is confident of doing well against the arch-rivals and said the team’s record in the UAE is good, and they have the experience of playing here since 2009.

“We know the conditions really well,” Pakistan captain Babar Azam told a pre-tournament news conference. “We know how the wicket will behave and the adjustments batters will have to make.

“On the day whoever plays the better cricket, wins the match. If you ask me, we will win,” he concluded.