Babar Azam says he will not compromise on discipline, fitness and performance

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has said discipline, fitness and performance will be the key areas on which he will not yield as he begins another stint leading the side in the longer format.

Speaking in an interview on Straight Drive with Salman Butt after being named Test captain on Sunday, Babar said his priorities were clearly defined for both himself and the team. He said he always tried to support players when given the leadership role, but would not compromise on those three areas going forward.

Reflecting on being entrusted again with the captaincy, Babar described leading Pakistan as an honour. He said his earlier experience as captain, along with time spent in the side as a player, had helped him develop greater maturity and clarity, adding that he believed sound planning and a positive approach would help him lead effectively this time.

Babar said he had reviewed his earlier tenure and tried to draw lessons from it. He noted that captains make some good decisions and at times feel they could have handled situations better, and said reflection had helped him rebuild his mindset and approach matters more positively.

Backing a young Test side

The Pakistan captain said the current squad included a number of young cricketers as well as strong performers from domestic cricket. He said one of his responsibilities as a senior player and captain was to extract performances from them, keep them relaxed and support them during difficult periods.

According to Babar, international cricket brings heavy pressure, and he tries to reduce that burden on younger players through discussions both on and off the field. He said helping them cope in demanding situations was an important part of his role within the group.

Focus of red-ball preparations

Babar also spoke about the recently held NCA Red-Ball Camp, describing it as important for the squad, the players and the wider group, particularly in the context of Test cricket. He said the side had at times fallen short in fitness in batting, bowling and fielding, and that the camp therefore placed emphasis on fitness, fielding and patience.

He added that training in difficult conditions helps players become stronger and prepares them better for pressure in matches. Babar said the team management had also worked with players on how to deal with pressure situations, recover from difficult positions during games and counterattack when opposition teams had plans against them. He said coaches had spoken with the players, while he too tried to pass on his experience as a senior member of the side.

Tours of West Indies and England

Looking ahead, Babar said Pakistan had prepared with expected conditions in the West Indies and England in mind. He described the West Indies tour as a challenging assignment, but said the side had made preparations for it. On England, he noted that several Pakistan players had county experience and understood the conditions there, which he said would be beneficial.

Babar also outlined his own batting approach, saying he does not think only about himself when he goes out to bat, but instead considers his responsibility and what the team needs from him. He said he adapts according to the situation, whether that means scoring quickly in a Test match or batting defensively, with the team’s interest remaining his main concern.

On criticism, young players and fan support

Discussing criticism from outside the team environment, Babar said players pay attention to constructive views and try to use what is helpful, while attempting to shut out negativity.

He also had a message for aspiring young cricketers, saying success does not come in a week or a month and that routines and steady improvement are important. Babar urged them to believe in themselves and continue working hard.

He further called on supporters to continue backing the national side as a young group heads into demanding assignments. Babar said expectations from fans were always high and that the team understood the desire to see Pakistan perform strongly in every match. He added that teams sometimes execute their plans and sometimes fail to get the intended outcome, but can learn in both victory and defeat, and said the side would try its best to meet supporters’ expectations.