'We have researched' - Babar Azam reacts to Stuart Broad's cheeky tweet on Pakistan team analyst

Pakistan’s tour of England faced a massive blow when seven members from the English contingent tested positive. Overnight, a completely different set of players were called up to represent England. When England plays Pakistan in the first ODI of the series under the leadership of Ben Stokes, they would be fielding one of their most inexperienced XIs in a long time. 

On the eve of the first ODI between the two teams, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was asked if he and his team thought about jeopardizing their tour and going back home. While answering the question, Azam explained that thought never came to his team’s mind. He further went on to say that there was assurance from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) which was enough for his team. 

“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. Of course, it was disappointing news. All of us must understand that these are unprecedented times of COVID-19. We are focusing on cricket and the first game,” Babar Azam said in the pre-match press conference. 

We can’t take any player playing for England lightly: Babar Azam

Speaking about the new set of players in the English team, the Pakistan captain said that his team won’t be taking any player coming and playing for England lightly. Azam himself has played in the T20 Blast for Somerset for the last few seasons and has a fair bit of idea about the players in the county circuit, some of whom will be playing for England. 

“We can’t take any player playing for England lightly,” said Babar. A few days back, England pacer Stuart Broad had tweeted saying that the Pakistan team analyst will have to work now to figure things out about a totally different squad. 

Gotta feel for the Pakistan Team Analyst- would have had all the plans sorted! Busy few days ahead!! https://t.co/deFLg9JKhv

— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) July 6, 2021

The world no. 1 ODI batsman Azam, said that he knows a few players, having played in the T20 Blast, and also said that the players about whom they didn’t know much, they have researched. “They may be new players but they are playing for England. I know a few of them having played in the T20 Blast and those we don’t know, we have researched their performances,” Pakistan skipper said.