World Cup 2023: 'Request all of Pakistan to pray for team' - Babar Azam's message hours before flying to India

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World Cup 2023: Babar Azam oozed confidence in his pre-departure press conference in Lahore on Tuesday. The Pakistan cricket team will be leaving for India for the World Cup 2023 early morning on Wednesday. Their flight will land directly in Hyderabad, the venue where Pakistan are scheduled to play their warm-up games and first few World Cup 2023 matches.

Babar Azam said that players were in good spirits and asked the people of Pakistan to pray for the team which will kick off their World Cup 2023 campaign against Netherlands on October 6.

"As a team, our morale is very high, we have confidence. We will try to play our best. I request all of you to pray for the team," the skipper said during a pre-departure press conference in Lahore.

The Pakistan team has been under criticism due to its lacklustre performance in the Asia Cup 2023 where they crashed out after a defeat against Sri Lanka in the Super Fours. Pakistan's inability to pick wickets in the middle-over came under scrutiny following the exit.

"I spoke to Shadab Khan and we gave confidence to each other. I and Shadab know that we aren't bowling well in the middle overs, but I trust my players more than I trust myself," admitted Babar Azam.

The right-hand batting superstar also defended Hasan Ali's selection in the 15-member squad after Naseem Shah was ruled out due to injury. He said Hasan Ali was picked due to his experience. The 28-year-old added that he prefers keeping those in the squad he trusts.

"I make very few changes; when we are together, we produce good results. A player should be supported when he is not doing well," he said, noting that the team would miss Shah.

Babar Azam excited to play in IND vs PAK Ahmedabad match

The number one ranked ODI expressed his excitement to play in the India vs Pakistan match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14. He said that conditions in India are not very different from Pakistan and he is geared up for the challenge.

"I'm very excited to play in Ahmedabad. It is the biggest stadium in the world and will be jam-packed for the India-Pakistan clash," he said.

"I have spoken to former cricketers about the condition and they are not that different."

"I will try to perform to the best of my ability. I can't exactly tell you how I will do since I'm not an astrologer."

"I'm not worried about my performance. I always try to perform in a manner that suits the team," he added.

Babar Azam opens up on 'rift' with Shaheen Afridi

Babar Azam was also asked about his reported verbal spat with Shaheen Afridi after the Asia Cup 2023 exit. He dismissed the rumours completely and said there was a lot of mutual respect between him and Shaheen Afridi.

“Everyone gives me respect…. and see when you lose close matches then certain [diagreements] do take place in team meetings but this was taken out of context that there was a duel between us,” Babar Azam said.

"There’s nothing like this. We have the same respect for each other and will remain the same. We love each other like a family."