Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed hope on Friday that Babar Azam, who had been recalled for the upcoming three-match series against Australia, would continue his PSL form.

In the 11th HBL Pakistan Super League edition that concluded earlier this month, Babar finished as the highest run-getter for the season and also led his side, Peshawar Zalmi, to lifting the trophy. He also struck two spectacular centuries in the season against Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United.

Babar’s return to form in the PSL followed a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign by Pakistan, during which the former captain was seen struggling. Subsequently, he was not included in the squad for the away ODI series against Bangladesh in March.

After he was recalled for the Australia series, scheduled from May 30 to June 4 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, Shaheen said during a press conference on Sunday that Babar had been the “backbone” of Pakistan’s middle order.

“We hope that his form from PSL continues and he wins matches for Pakistan,” the skipper added.

In the Friday press conference, Shaheen was asked about his opinion on Coach Mike Hesson’s words that some players are not in good form.

“I don’t individually focus on singular players. I think of us as a team, but coaches have to examine that way,” Shaheen said.

Responding to the team’s preparedness for the upcoming series, Shaheen mentioned the seven-day training camp with 28 players held in Lahore earlier this month. Coach Hesson personally oversaw the camp, Shaheen said.

In response to a question about current Pakistani fast bowlers not keeping up the pace that Pakistani side is known for, Shaheen compared the bowlers’ performance to how a machine’s performance declines after a while.

He said players need rest to return in good shape as well.

“We are always doing our best for Pakistan,” he said.

He added that all the bowlers on the team are consistently thinking about how to improve their pace.

In response to criticism regarding senior players’ commitment to the team, Shaheen said that the senior players’ focus on the team is taking away from the time they would be spending with their families.

He told media that news platforms continue to spread negative opinions about the players.

“I would request you to promote unity. We will try our best and that’s what the country needs from us as well,” the skipper remarked.

A reporter asked if Muhammad Rizwan’s absence from the team means that he won’t be returning. Shaheen, in his response, mentioned being dropped in the past himself, and also Babar’s recent return to the squad after being out for a while.

“If Rizwan is not in the series, that doesn’t mean he is out for good,” Shaheen said.

Talking about the newer players in the team, Shaheen mentioned that he has played with Rohail Nazir in the under-16 team.

He added that Rohail has also served as the captain of the Pakistan A team.

Furthermore, Shaheen mentioned that Muhammad Ghazi Ghori had played as a batsman in the national team before.

“Everyone should get opportunities so that we can build a good World Cup team,” Shaheen added.

Responding to a question about the selection process for the team, Shaheen said that there is a “proper channel”.

Selectors finalise a longlist of 20 players, he said. It is then up to the coach and the captain to decide the final squad from those 20 names.

More to follow