Pakistan players under pressure to end ICC trophy drought: Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan’s veteran opener Fakhar Zaman admitted the team is under pressure to win the ICC trophy and hopes the wait will end at next year’s World Cup. Pakistan’s last ICC title win came in the form of Champions Trophy in 2017 when they defeated India in the final. They have since reached the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup T20 where they lost to England.

Speaking to reporters, Fakhar said Pakistan’s players have repeatedly discussed their inability to secure the ICC title since their last triumph in 2017, acknowledging that the prolonged drought was a problem for the team.

“The pressure is on us as a team to deliver the ICC trophy and we have had extensive discussions to end the country’s wait for a major international trophy,” Fakhar was quoted as saying by PTI.

“It is natural (that) people are disappointed that Pakistan has not been able to win the ICC title for a long time and we also know that when we do well, we are showered with love and admiration.”

“When you perform well, people show you more love. When you don’t perform well, they are naturally disappointed. Whether senior or junior, every player strives to perform at his best and improve in his profession.”

“The happiness you experience as a nation after winning a trophy is different than in a semi-final or a final,” he added.

The left-hander emphasized that the Pakistan team is fully focused on ending the long wait for the ICC title and considers the challenge a top priority.

“We are taking it very seriously. We will do our best and hope that Allah will help us to bring the World Cup trophy back to Pakistan,” Fakhar said.

Fakhar has termed the upcoming tri-series against England and Sri Lanka as an important starting point for Pakistan’s World Cup preparations, with the team aiming to settle on the ideal combination.

“The idea is to start building the perfect combination for the World Cup from now and the good thing is that most of our players are going into the tri-series after playing domestic cricket,” Fakhar said.

“When you play 50-overs cricket after First Class, it’s a lot easier to adjust, but going from T20s to ODIs is never easy. It’s encouraging that all the players have come through the season and are in very good touch,” he added.

Pakistan are in Group A alongside IndiaAfghanistan, Australia, Zimbabwe and Qualifier A. They begin their campaign against Afghanistan on October 8 and face India two days later.

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