\u201cI am very excited,\u201d Babar was quoted by ICC as saying \u201cWe are going to have an ICC tournament in Pakistan after a very long time. As a player, I am very excited, and all the fans are excited.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pakistan\u2019s stunning 180-run victory over India in the 2017 final remains a cherished memory, but Babar insists that his focus is on the present. \u201cA lot has changed since the Champions Trophy was held in 2017. We have new players coming in, and only three or four from that winning team remain. But the belief, confidence, and execution are the same.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pakistan begin its campaign against New Zealand in Karachi, where Babar will go head-to-head with another modern-day great, Kane Williamson. The tournament also features top stars like Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Virat Kohli, but Babar enters as the world\u2019s No. 1 ranked ODI batter, shouldering the hopes of a cricket-mad nation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen you have responsibility as a senior player and the team relies on you, I take it in a positive way,\u201d Babar said. \u201cI try to give my best in every match so that Pakistan wins, and I enjoy my cricket.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite Pakistan\u2019s struggles in recent ICC tournaments, Babar remains unfazed. \u201cThere is no pressure of anything. What has happened in the past is beyond us. We have discussed our mistakes and worked on them, and we will try not to repeat them.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With home advantage on their side, Pakistan hopes to turn its fortunes around. Lahore, Babar\u2019s hometown, is one of three cities hosting matches, and he believes local conditions will play a crucial role. \u201cWhen you play at home, you get an edge as you know the conditions. But still, you have to play good cricket because all other teams are among the best.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite Pakistan\u2019s struggles in recent ICC tournaments, Babar remains unfazed. \u201cThere is no pressure of anything. What has happened in the past is beyond us. We have discussed our mistakes and worked on them, and we will try not to repeat them.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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