Babar Azam has declared nation player

Babar Azam has declared Pakistan 'probably the greatest cricket-playing nation' for their achievements while not playing any home games.

Via ESPNcricinfo 🏏

     

Babar Azam wants to follow Imran Khan's attacking captaincy

As Pakistan's white-ball captain, Babar Azam will have to deal with pressure on the field as well as off it Getty Images

Pakistan's new white-ball leader Babar Azam wants to follow in former captain Imran Khan's footsteps and embrace controlled aggression. Last week, Azam was appointed Pakistan's ODI captain and the 25-year old is also the heir apparent to Azhar Ali in Test cricket.

"I would like to go with what I have learnt that is attacking. So, I would like to follow Imran Khan style of captaincy," Azam said in an online press conference on Monday. "As captain, you have to learn to be cool. You have to take players with you as well as planning with them against other teams. There are instances when you get angry inside but then you have to contain yourself and must have to control your aggression in the field. The confidence is the key and the more you back your players, they will give their best. With player support you can have a bed of thorns turn into a bed of roses."

Azam is Pakistan's premier batsman across formats and his recent elevation to ODI captaincy confirmed his status as the highest-profile cricketer in Pakistan. When asked if he was feeling the additional pressure of leadership, Azam said he was ready for the new role.