‘PM Imran Khan motivated the team by sharing 1992 experience’: Babar Azam ahead of iconic clash against India

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has revealed that Prime Minister Imran Khan had shared his experience of Pakistan’s triumph in 1992 before the Men in Green departed for UAE with an eye on their second 20-20 World Cup title. The Imran Khan-led side defied all odds and claimed an emphatic win over England in the 1992 50-over World Cup final to win their maiden world title. Pakistan were down and out at one staged and needed wins in all their remaining games but the team scripted a memorable turnaround to get their hands on the title.

“Before coming, we had a meeting and in that he (Imran) had shared his experience, about what was his mindset in the 1992 World Cup, what was his and the team’s body language,” Babar said on the eve of his team’s clash against arch-rivals India.

Babar also revealed that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja also gave valuable inputs to the team. Azam said Raja asked the team to stay calm and keep the morals high during the showpiece event. “Look, the chairman told us, ‘the calmer you keep yourself and the more you keep things simple that will be better. Let the outside things remain outside, and they should not come inside. Keep belief in yourself, and give your hundred percent on the day’,” added 27-year-old Babar.

Pakistan are set to cross swords with India in their opening game on Sunday, October 24 at the Dubai International Stadium. The Men in Green does not have a record to boast about against India in 20-20 World Cups, having lost all their five games. Babar though is optimistic about the team scripting history in the coming game. The skipper said the conditions in UAE will come in handy for Pakistan.

“We know the conditions really well,” Pakistan captain Babar Azam told a pre-tournament news conference. “We know how the wicket will behave and the adjustments batters will have to make.

“On the day whoever plays the better cricket, wins the match. If you ask me, we will win.”