May 31, 2017
BIRMINGHAM: Former ODI captain and top-order batsman Azhar Ali said that Babar Azam would be the key player for Pakistan in its Champions Trophy match against India on June 4.
Speaking with media after team's three-hour long training session at Edgbaston, Azhar said: "I won't name any single player, everyone has got the ability to perform and everyone is eager to perform well but the way Babar Azam has played recently and performed consistently, he would be our key player.”
The right-hand batsman added that the match against India is just another game for Pakistan and players will perform according to expectations of the fans back home.
"Pakistan and India will be a good game for fans and players - both the teams would do their best to perform in the game. Our fans have high expectations from us and we would try to perform according to their expectations," he said.
"As professional players, we have to take it as a game only, once you are at the ground the encounter is between bat and ball and that's how it is," Azhar said, when asked if there is any pressure on the team for the match against India.
"We are taking it as a normal game and like any other international game which isn't easy for you and you have to work hard for it, same is against India," he added.
However, Azhar was reluctant to make any promise ahead of India's game saying that he doesn't want to put any pressure on himself by saying he would do this or that.
Replying to a question Azhar said that ICC tournaments are a big opportunity for every player and he's looking forward to this opportunity to prove his mettle.
"ICC tournaments are always a big opportunity for every player to prove themselves and I take this as a great opportunity for myself," he said.
"I'm fit and in form, really want to go in the middle and perform for Pakistan," Azhar added.
The 32-year-old with experience of 45 ODIs said that weather will play an important role and if conditions are overcast then bowlers will definitely have an advantage.
