Pakistan is set to begin their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against co-hosts, the United States, on June 6 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. Under the leadership of Babar Azam, the team is rigorously preparing for their opening match with intense practice sessions.
The squad appears to be in high spirits during training, with players enjoying the sessions. In a light-hearted moment captured on video, Captain Babar Azam referred to Azam Khan, the son of legendary cricketer Moin Khan, with the playful nickname ‘Gainda’ (Rhino), saying, “Aye gainda nai siddha hoya,” while pointing towards the burly player.
Babar Azam to Azam Khan : “ay gainda nai siddha hoya”
– Even Pakistan’s team captain is well aware of his fitness. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/rzxLWiRAs1
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) June 3, 2024
Despite a recent slump in form, with a loss to Ireland in a T20I and a 2-0 series defeat in England, Babar Azam has encouraged his team to stay positive as they embark on their World Cup journey. Pakistan, who won the T20 World Cup in 2009, have shown strong performances in recent tournaments, reaching the semi-finals in 2021 and finishing as runners-up to England in 2022.
In the 2024 World Cup, Pakistan is placed in Group A. Following their opener against the US, they will face arch-rivals India on June 9 in New York, a match highly anticipated by fans. Historically, Pakistan has won only once in seven T20 World Cup encounters against India.