Had a ‘positive’ discussion with Ramiz Raja: Babar Azam

Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam has opened up about his meeting with former opener Ramiz Raja ahead of the latter’s appointment as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Raja will take charge of PCB after elections on September 13 but his meetings with high-profile individuals within the Pakistan cricket system have already begun.

“I had a positive discussion with Ramiz [Raja] bhai. He shared his mindset with us and we would carry that forward,” said Azam.

The right-hander is also keen on defeating India in the T20 World Cup group stage match, which is scheduled to take place on October 24.

“India will be under more pressure, as compared to Pakistan, during the T20 World Cup match as they have not played T20 cricket as a group for quite a while. India are currently playing Test cricket and after that they will get busy with franchise cricket,” he said. “We want to start our campaign by defeating India.”

“UAE is like our home ground and we would try to give our 100 per cent on the field,” he added.

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The Pakistan skipper is also satisfied with the squad selected for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

“We have picked a balanced squad for New Zealand ODIs. We are facing issues in the middle-order and this series is a good opportunity for players making a comeback to cement their place in the side,” he said.

Babar also brushed aside the notion that he was under pressure due to leading the side in all formats of the game.

“There is no pressure of captaincy on me. I try to learn from my mistakes,” he concluded.