Bureau Report
Karachi: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has stated that the decision to select the final playing XI is on him but coaches also give collective input.
“I have to lead the side on the field and I also try to select it, although, it’s necessary to get coach input but the final decision is on me,” Babar said in a presser ahead of first Pakistan-South Africa Test. The 26-year-old Babar also dismissed Proteas’ batsman Faf du Plessis’s statement that the Pakistan team is mostly dependent on him.
“I don’t think that’s the case as other players are also performing well. Azhar Ali and Mohammad Rizwan are outstanding, Fawad Alam performed well in New Zealand. We always try what’s best for the team and everyone contributes” he added. On the other hand, Babar thinks that it’s not good to be harsh on players as it gives a bad impression across the cricketing world. “Sometimes getting aggressive is good but off the field not on the field. It’s crucial to execute the plan and back the side on the field,” he maintained.
On the first Pakistan-South Africa Test, Babar looked confident and is excited to lead the national team for the first time in this format of the game. “We are quite excited to play against a team like South Africa on our home ground. The boys are practicing for the last week where we played practiced matches. We will try to pull the result in our favor,” Babar added.
