Babar Azam hopes for T20 World Cup triumph amid chaotic build-up

Birmingham: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is hoping for a breakthrough at the Twenty20 World Cup after his team finished as losing semi-finalists in 2021 and runners-up in 2022.

In preparation for the tournament in the West Indies and the USA, Pakistan has faced a chaotic lead-up, with Babar replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain just three months before the event. They managed a 2-2 T20 series draw against a weakened New Zealand at home in April, then went to Ireland, losing the first match but winning the series 2-1.

As usual, the men in green have shown they can be the best one day and the worst the next, making them the most unpredictable team in the 20-team event starting in the United States on June 1. Pakistan is grouped with India, co-hosts USA, Canada, and Ireland in Group A. The top two teams will move to the Super Eight round in the West Indies, with the final in Barbados on June 29.

If Pakistan loses to India in their likely monumental clash in New York on June 9—Pakistan has won just one of seven T20 World Cup matches against India—their final group game against Ireland in Florida a week later could become a knockout affair.

However, Azam is optimistic. "Semi-final and then final, so it's our turn to win the trophy this time," he said before departing for Ireland.

Since their exit from the 50-over World Cup last November, Pakistan cricket has seen numerous changes, with coaching staff being replaced twice and the white-ball captaincy shifting from Azam to Shaheen and back. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who also owns a news channel, now heads the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Naqvi revamped the selection committee, held a training camp at an army base to boost fitness, and brought in former South African opener Gary Kirsten as the white-ball coach. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir and spinner Imad Wasim were brought out of retirement to strengthen the bowling attack alongside Shaheen and rising star Naseem Shah.

"My mood is good and my fitness is good, and I am looking forward to winning the World Cup," Shaheen said in a PCB podcast, despite reported dissent over the captaincy changes. To further motivate the players, Naqvi announced a $100,000 bonus for each player if they win the World Cup.

Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan join Wasim in the spin department. "This is the best team with every base covered, so we can win and there should be no excuse," said Shaheen, highlighting the importance of his fitness for the team's success.

Pakistan's batting approach and lack of consistency remain significant issues. While other teams frequently score over 200, Pakistan has not reached that mark in 43 T20Is. The team relies heavily on Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who have a world record 10 century partnerships. However, the opening partnership has been criticized for being too slow, and dashing left-hander Saim Ayub is set to break it up.

Star batter Fakhar Zaman, newcomer Usman Khan, Azam Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed form a powerful middle order but have struggled with consistency. For Pakistan to "return with the trophy," the batters will need to step up to match their bowlers.