Pakistan captain Babar Azam said he was surprised by the sweeping changes to the team following the series loss to England at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Babar spoke to the media on the eve of the third Test at Edgbaston and addressed the changes to the Pakistan side.
The 31-year-old was asked how challenging it had been to cope with a week in which seven players and members of the coaching staff were sent home.
“Not difficult, but surprising,” he told reporters.
When asked again whether he had been involved in the decisions, including the call to send players back to Pakistan, Babar simply replied: “No.”
Regarding the disciplinary investigation and dramatic developments, Babar admitted that he was unaware of the decisions, and that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was better positioned to explain them.
“It was news to me. I found out after. The PCB decided it, so they will be able to explain better,” he continued.
“The PCB’s decision must have been taken after some thought process. It’s better if you ask them why. It’s an opportunity for us as a group and a team. The series is lost, but we have nothing to lose. We should play freely and believe in ourselves as a team,” the skipper added.
The right-handed batter backed the young players, calling it a golden opportunity for them.
“It’s an opportunity for the new boys and a chance to showcase their talent. Any young player who comes in is excited, and that excitement is visible. I believe that will be visible in the match, too.”
“I firmly believe you need to grab opportunities and perform in difficult conditions. That’s why we play cricket, because we have to perform and dominate in difficult conditions. We need to forget about past failures and shift focus to the future.”
He also said he had no idea about the internal inquiry into the players over the disciplinary issues.
“No, I don’t know. I have no idea about it,” Babar concluded.
