Pakistan cricket team is going to take on Michael Bracewell's New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, on April 18 (Thursday). This series will mark the return of Babar Azam as the Pakistan captain. The star batter has been reinstated in this role by the PCB after replacing Shaheen Afridi, who earlier succeded him. Since then, there have been a lot of buzz around rifts between two of the biggest Pakistan stars.
Babar on rift rumours with Shaheen Afridi
The Pakistan captain has turned down rift rumours with his fellow player Shaheen Afridi. He cleared the air around their bond and said both of them go a long way back and will always put Pakistan first.
"I want to make clear that Shaheen (Afridi) and my bond is not recent, it goes back a long way. We support each other in every situation. Our aim is to put Pakistan first, and how to put Pakistan's name up in lights. We don't think of individual glory, and thankfully, those elements are not present in my team," said Babar in the press conferece ahead of PAK vs NZ 1st T20I.
These rumours started after Shaheen Afridi was sacked as the T20 skipper of Pakistan just after one series. Many stated that the star pacer is extremely unhappy and disappointed from the decision.
Babar on opening for Pakistan
Babar Azam and company will be playing three series ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. After the home series against New Zealand. The Men in Green will be going to Ireland and England after this. There is also a big question if Babar will open for Pakistan or bat at number 3.
"Our line-up is flexible. We're trying to give opportunities to our young players and bench strength. You'll see different combinations in this series and check what works for us. You'll see that in the bowling as well as batting, and in every spot. By the time we get to the Ireland and England series, we'll have a clearer picture," said Babar.
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