Threats Looms Large On Injured Babar Azam's Inclusion In First Test Against New Zealand
Babar Azam. Image Credit: Getty Images.

Babar Azam, who is now the captain of Pakistan across all the formats, has stated that he is not threatened to lose his captaincy because the team management has shown complete confidence in him. The 26-year old was given a Test captaincy charge earlier this month. He will be leading the Green Army for the first time in the extended format against New Zealand in the upcoming two-match Test series. Apart from Test, Pakistan will also play the three-match T20I series.

Babar Azam is confident that the team is in a good position because they are continuously playing cricket even though COVID-19 has been a hurdle. After comfortably winning the ODI and T20I series against Zimbabwe at home, the skipper is hopeful of playing good cricket against New Zealand.

“We are continuously playing cricket. We have gained a lot of confidence from our victories and that is why we are hopeful for a good showing against New Zealand,” said Babar Azam.

Babar Azam
Babar Azam Image Credits: Twitter

Further talking about being made captain in all formats, Babar said that he was nervous when he was handed over charge of the white-ball team, but he accepted the challenge.

“You are always under pressure in international cricket. When I was announced as the white-ball captain, there was pressure. Challenges come your way and you accept them,” said Babar.

Babar Azam added that through his predecessor Sarfaraz Ahmed Azhar Ali, he has learned to take the team forward. He now enjoys his cricket without any pressure of losing the captaincy. He shared that Pakistan team management is completely confident over his decisions which had helped him to play more freely.

“I have learned a lot through white-ball cricket and players such as Sarfaraz Ahmed and Azhar Ali. The team relies on me and I try to take responsibility when our side is batting. The real joy of cricket is playing under pressure. I enjoy playing cricket. I am not threatened that I will be removed if we lose against New Zealand. I have been given complete confidence from management and a free hand in decision-making,” he added.

No Problem in team: Babar Azam

Babar Azam
Babar Azam. Credits: Twitter

The newly-appointed Test captain of Pakistan has assured that there are no groupings and differences in the team and that they’re all a bunch of closely knit cricketers.

“There are no problems with regards to grouping in the team. Everyone supports and respects each other. The team is filled with youngsters and there are no problems with grouping whatsoever. Everyone sits together and supports their teammates. There are no groups; the entire team is one group,” Babar Azam further said.

The T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played from December 18 to 22 while the Test series will begin from December 26.