Ramiz Raja discloses his last-minute conversation with Babar Azam

The most anticipated day of the year for cricket fans has finally arrived, as Pakistan opens the 2022 T20 World Cup campaign against India today at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Pakistan defeated India in their World Cup opener 12 months ago in the UAE, a historic victory that laid the foundation for their impressive unbeaten group stage run.

The team led by Babar Azam would attempt to replicate their heroics a year later. Ramiz Raja, chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board, expects the ultimate prize from Babar after revealing his last-minute conversation with the captain before the India match.

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This will be the thirteenth World Cup match between Pakistan and India. And their only victory over the Men in Blue occurred in Dubai last October.

Following their 10-wicket victory over India, Pakistan went undefeated in the group stage to advance to the semifinals, ultimately eliminating them by eventual champions Australia.

In a conversation with the local media channel before Pakistan's match against India, Ramiz revealed what he told Babar.

“I have told captain Babar Azam to only dream about winning T20 World Cup. I have asked Babar Azam if there should be no other option other than bringing the trophy of the T20 World Cup back home,” he said.

"World Cup is a mind game. It is a task of not losing courage and a fulfillment of a dream — to win a World Cup," he maintained.

“The other team can also play well someday, or the weather might play a role in the match. But fans must support the team, as it is the best to have been sent to play the field.” Ramiz said.

Ramiz also provided Babar with advice on how to deal with Australian conditions. In 1992, Pakistan won the World Cup on Australian soil, and Ramiz was a member of that squad.

"In Pakistan, players get the time to play shots, but that's not the case in Australia," he said.