Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized that the team has a strategic plan in place for the upcoming T20 World Cup and urged supporters and fans to stand by the team regardless of match outcomes.
With just two days remaining before the tournament kicks off in the USA and the West Indies, Pakistan is gearing up for the prestigious event while currently engaged in a four-match T20I series against England.
Speaking ahead of the 4th T20I scheduled in London on Thursday, Naqvi appealed to fans to rally behind the team throughout the tournament.
“Support the team and assure them that we [the fans] are with you [the team] whether you win or lose. I just want to request one thing which we really need for the next four weeks. Let us all support our players,” Naqvi stated to the media in London, as reported by Geo News.
Inclement weather marred the first and third T20I matches of the ongoing series, leading to washouts. In the second T20I, England secured a 1-0 lead with skipper Jos Buttler’s aggressive 84-run innings playing a significant role.
Pakistan has made adjustments to their team combination during recent series against Ireland and England. Unlike other teams, who have favored additional spinners, Pakistan opted for a pace-heavy 15-player squad for the tournament.
Amidst these changes, Naqvi was queried about Pakistan’s strategy for the World Cup. He affirmed that a comprehensive plan is in place and urged the players to deliver their best performance on the field.
“Overall, a strategy is in place that they don’t have to panic and give their best [on the field],” Naqvi emphasized.
Pakistan is positioned in Group A and will kick off their campaign against co-hosts USA on June 6 at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas.
Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.