Pakistan batter
The team’s last appearance in an ICC final occurred during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, where they were defeated by England in Melbourne. According to Zaman, the players are acutely aware of the expectations from fans and the stark difference in public sentiment between winning a tournament and merely reaching the knockout stages.
Focusing on the 2027 World Cup
Looking ahead, the team is channeling their efforts toward the upcoming 50-over World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Zaman emphasized that the squad is taking their preparations seriously, noting that the joy of lifting a trophy is incomparable to the disappointment of falling short in semi-finals or finals.
As part of their strategy to build a winning side, Pakistan is prioritizing the development of a balanced squad. The upcoming tri-series against England and Sri Lanka is viewed as a critical step in this process. Zaman noted that the current domestic season has been beneficial, as many players have gained valuable experience in 50-over cricket, making the transition to international one-day matches smoother than moving directly from the T20 format.
Adapting to different formats
Addressing the team's recent 0-3 Test series loss to England, Zaman dismissed concerns that the red-ball struggles would impact their white-ball performance. He maintained that the two formats require distinct tactical approaches and that the team has already held extensive internal discussions to refine their plans for the future.
With significant changes recently implemented within the team structure, the players remain optimistic about their prospects. Zaman concluded that while the focus is on immediate preparations, the goal of bringing the World Cup trophy back to Pakistan remains a primary motivation for the entire group as they continue their build-up for the tournament.
