Babar Azam emphasized the limited time available for rotation due to the proximity of the T20 World Cup 2024
PHOTO: PCB/AFP
Pakistan's white-ball captain Babar Azam has provided insights into the team's strategy for the upcoming Ireland series and shed light on his equation with newly appointed white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten.
During the pre-departure conference, Azam emphasized the limited time available for rotation due to the proximity of the T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled to take place in the USA and West Indies next month.
"I think there is less time for rotation now because the World Cup is around the corner, and in the remaining matches, we will try to give the team we want to play with in the World Cup a proper opportunity. We will sort out whatever our bowling and batting combination is, and we have almost done that. We will play with our best possible XI in the remaining matches," Babar said.
Regarding Kirsten's involvement, the right-hand batter expressed positivity about the coach's contributions despite not being physically present yet.
"He [Gary Kirsten] was already working, and then PCB offered him the job, which he accepted. He is very enthusiastic about our discussions and is making every effort to join the team as soon as possible. However, he stays in touch daily, receiving reports about what we are doing and how we are planning things. He shares his plans with us, discussions are happening with coaches about our planning, and we update him on net practice plans, like how the bowling practice went today," he said.
"So, there's already good communication happening. While it's good for us and the team that he joins us in person as soon as possible, his experience also matters, as he knows how quickly to gel with the team," he added.
Babar also revealed if Pakistan is planning specifically for Virat Kohli ahead of their encounter against India in the T20 World Cup.
"As a team, you always plan against different teams and according to their strengths. We don't plan anything against only one player. We plan for all eleven players. We don't know much about the conditions in New York and we will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players and we will plan against him as well," Babar said.
It is worth noting that the Pakistan team is set to depart for their tour of Ireland and England early on Tuesday at 1:30 AM.
Pakistan squad for Ireland and England T20Is:
Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan
