‘There is more pressure for match tickets than match’ – Babar Azam on India versus Pakistan match tickets for ODI World Cup 2023

Archrivals India and Pakistan will lock horns in the ODI World Cup 2023 on 14 October at the Narendra Modi stadium (also known as the Motera stadium) in Ahmedabad. India vs Pakistan matches have always seen packed stadiums for the intense action. 

Babar Azam discussed facing India before in the Asia Cup 2023 he also brought up the possibility of beating India in Ahmedabad considering the crowd support Pakistan got in Hyderabad. He also discussed how Pakistan had previously defeated India in the T-20 World Cup 2021 and they strive to do it once again in 2023.  

Babar Azam on facing India in ODI World Cup 2023

“There is more pressure for match tickets than match. It is not a pressure match for us. We have played with each other a lot of times. We got a lot of support in Hyderabad and we hope the same for Ahmedabad”, said Babar Azam. 

“What matters is what we can do best as a team in both batting and bowling. In these conditions the margin of error for bowlers is minimal. Experience helps you play better. When I was a youngster I used to get nervous. but there are seniors who help you out”, he added. “I think what has happened in the past is not important. We want to live in the present. I think we can do well. India-Pakistan match is high-intensity. Believe in ourselves. There are a lot of fans coming. I think we have an opportunity to do well in front of fans,” he said. 

“We plan accordingly as in the first 10 overs the wicket is different and after 10 overs it is different. So, we have to plan accordingly. We will miss Naseem Shah. Shaheen is our best bowler. We believe in him and he believes in himself. One or two matches of bad performance do not bother us”, said Azam. 

“In 2021 we beat India in the T20 WC. I think we can do that here as well. I have not scored many runs in this World Cup till now and I hope it changes. You need to field well if you want to do well in the World Cup. We are working on it. Fielding is about attitude,” concluded Babar Azam.