Amidst preparations for a grueling series against Ireland followed by a tour to England, the Pakistan cricket team is gearing up for a series of crucial encounters. However, the selection dilemma continues to hover over the participation of two key players, Azam and Saim, in the upcoming fixtures.
Saim, recognized for his explosive batting prowess showcased in the Pakistan Super League last year, has faced scrutiny due to his inconsistent performance in the shortest format of the game. Despite averaging only 14.60 in his 17 T20Is, the 21-year-old remains steadfast in his aggressive approach, emphasizing his commitment to his natural game.
Speaking at Pakistan’s preparatory camp, Saim highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency in his process, irrespective of the external pressures. “Pressure is always there,” he acknowledged, “handling it is a different thing,” he added, underscoring his focus on continual improvement.
On the other hand, Azam, known for his match-finishing abilities in the lower middle-order, faces a pivotal juncture in his career. Although his recent injury setback thwarted his chances in the T20 series against New Zealand, the upcoming matches against Ireland and England present a potential breakthrough for the 25-year-old.
Echoing Saim’s sentiment, Azam stressed the significance of trusting the process and avoiding undue fixation on individual performances. With the prospect of securing a spot in the playing XI against India in the T20 World Cup looming, Azam remains resolute in his approach, emphasizing the importance of dominance against all teams.
In a bid to motivate the squad, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced a substantial cash prize of $100,000 for each player in the event of lifting the T20 World Cup, underscoring the stakes involved in the upcoming tournament.
As the preparatory camp draws to a close, the Pakistan team is set to depart for Ireland on May 7, commencing a series of high-stakes encounters starting from May 10. However, the looming uncertainty surrounding the inclusion of Azam and Saim adds an intriguing subplot to Pakistan’s journey as they
