Babar Azam reveals masterplan: Playing in LPL to face quality spinners and prepare for Asia Cup and World Cup

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Pakistan captain Babar Azam has revealed his real motive behind playing in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023, saying that the idea was to prepare for the Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup 2023 by playing in subcontinent conditions.

He also stated that the Lanka Premier League 2023 will help him to adapt to different conditions in Asia. Notably, Pakistan are also scheduled to play a 3-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka starting August 22.

"Whenever you play different leagues, in different conditions you end up learning a lot. I try my level best to perform well. I adapt to different conditions while facing different bowlers from Asia because we have a lot of cricket coming up in Asia.

"We have Asia Cup, the Afghanistan series and the World Cup as well. I will try to focus, adapt to the conditions, and face good spinners to prepare for these upcoming big tournaments," Babar Azam said.

The 28-year-old has been in fine form and wants to keep scoring runs for Colombo Strikers his maiden Lanka Premier League campaign.

"This is my first league and I am looking forward to play all the matches. I joined the team a couple of days back and felt really happy after meeting my teammates. We have a young team and everyone is looking forward to give their best, improve and perform well for the franchise," commented Babar Azam.

"My mindset is always positive. I will give my 100% to Colombo Strikers. We have a good range of players, a good combination of seniors and juniors on the side. Dickwella and I play a lot of cricket together and know each other well.

"I think 4-5 from the team will be playing for Sri Lanka, that’s good for us, good for their team and good for youngsters to learn new things from experienced senior players. When you share a dressing room with senior players you take positive things," he added.

Babar Azam's side Colombo Strikers is led by Niroshan Dickwella, while other participating teams in the league include Dambulla Aura captained by Kusal Mendis, Galle Titans led by Dasun Shanaka, B-Love Kandy captained by Wanindu Hasaranga, and defending champions Jaffna Kings led by veteran Sri Lankan allrounder Thisara Perera.