Prominent Pakistan sports athletes have encouraged the national cricket team as they prepare for the T20 World Cup, which the USA and West Indies are co-hosting.
In interviews facilitated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), these sports figures expressed their hopes and expectations for the team's performance in the tournament.
Ten-time British Open champion Jahangir Khan has expressed optimism about Pakistan's tournament victory.
“The whole nation is supporting the team and wants the Pakistan team to win. As a player I can say that it is a best opportunity for a player to showcase their practice in the match and make it the best performance. There’s always a winner and a loser but everyone would be satisfied if the team will at least lose while fighting for the win,” Jahangir said.
“This team consists of senior and junior players and if they move forward supporting each other, I am sure that this team will give excellent performance,” he added.
Former hockey team captain Islahuddin also believes in Pakistan's potential to clinch the title.
“Pakistan team have a lot of talent. Pakistan had already won the T20 World Cup once; the nation is expecting the team to win it for the second time,” Islahuddin said.
Tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq expressed his high expectations for the cricket team's captain, Babar Azam.
“Under the captaincy of Babar Azam, Pakistan will be winning the T20 World Cup this year,” Aisam said.
Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem highlighted the team's dedication and preparation for the tournament.
“The whole nation has high expectations with the team and hopes that Pakistan will win this T20 tournament,” Nadeem said.
SQUAD: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Khan
Pakistan’s schedule of matches: