Pakistan’s Babar Azam in motion throughout the first ODI in opposition to South Africa at The Boland Oval in Paarl on December 17, 2024. — AFP
Former Pakistan captain and standout batter Babar Azam has shared his ideas forward of the eagerly awaited blockbuster showdown with India within the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026, set for Sunday on the R Premadasa Stadium.
In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Babar spoke in regards to the unparalleled depth and worldwide consideration {that a} Pakistan-India conflict invariably instructions.
He emphasised the stress these matches carry — not simply from followers, however from the duty of representing the nation on a large stage.
“Like you said, a Pakistan-India match is always high intensity. The whole world and the fans are involved. Even with so many people watching, it plays out on different levels, and expectations naturally rise,” Babar stated.
Drawing from his personal expertise, the 31-year-old pressured the significance of sustaining composure and managing expectations.Â
Babar highlighted how staying calm and never getting distracted by exterior opinions could make an important distinction, particularly for youthful gamers navigating the hype of high-profile encounters.
“I’ve been part of many matches, and we’ve learnt that the more we stay cool, relaxed, and don’t listen to what people say, the better it is. Youngsters often get excited and talk about it, but if you stay easy and tension-free, it always works in your favour,” he added.
It’s pertinent to say that each groups stay unbeaten within the group stage up to now. Pakistan has registered victories over the Netherlands and the USA, whereas India has defeated the USA and Namibia.
Traditionally, India and Pakistan have met 16 occasions in T20 Internationals, with India successful 13 and Pakistan three.Â
In T20 World Cup encounters, the 2 sides have clashed eight occasions, with India main 6-1 and one match ending in a tie.
