Experienced top-order batter Fakhar Zaman on Saturday said Pakistan’s long wait for an ICC trophy could end next year in the 50-overs World Cup to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Fakhar told the media here that the Pakistan players have had long discussions on the fact that they had not been able to win an ICC title since 2017.
“There is pressure on us as a team to deliver an ICC trophy, and we have had extensive discussions about ending the country’s wait for a major international trophy,” he said.
“We are taking it very seriously. Pakistan had last reached the final of an ICC event in 2022 in the T20 World Cup but were beaten by England at Melbourne.
“It is natural (that) people are disappointed about Pakistan not being able to win an ICC title for long, and we also know that when we do well, we are showered with love and admiration,” Fakhar said. We will do our best, and we hope Allah helps us bring the World Cup trophy back to Pakistan,” he said. “The idea is to start building a perfect combination for the World Cup from now, and the good thing is most of our players are going into the tri-series having played domestic cricket,” Fakhar said.
“There have also been significant changes in the team, so we are hopeful and excited. With the way our preparations are progressing, the World Cup is also in the back of our minds,” Fakhar added.
