'PM Imran Khan motivated the team by sharing 1992 experience': Babar Azam ahead of India clash

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has revealed that country’s Prime Minister Imran Khan had interacted with the players and shared the experience of the 1992 World Cup victory before the team departed for UAE. Under the inspirational and tactical leadership of Imran, Pakistan defied all odds and beat England in the finals to clinch their maiden 50-over World Cup title.

At one stage of the showpiece event, the team were lagging behind and needed to win all the matches to make it to the last four. In the end, the Imran-led team took one game at a time and gave the country a reason to celebrate.

"Before coming, we had a meeting and in that he (Imran) had shared his experience, about what was his mindset in the 1992 World Cup, what was his and the team's body language," Babar said on the eve of his team's clash against arch-rivals India.

Azam further said that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has asked the team to stay calm and keep the self believe during the global event. "Look, the chairman told us, 'the calmer you keep yourself and the more you keep things simple that will be better. Let the outside things remain outside and they should not come inside. Keep belief in yourself and give your hundred percent on the day," added 27-year-old Babar.

India have a clean record against Pakistan in the 20-20 World Cups as they have beaten them five times. Azam though sounded optimistic about turning things around and believed the experience of playing in the UAE would come in handy.

"We know the conditions really well,” Pakistan captain Babar Azam told a pre-tournament news conference. “We know how the wicket will behave and the adjustments batters will have to make. "On the day whoever plays the better cricket, wins the match. If you ask me, we will win.”