Fakhar highlights World Cup preparations

The way we are preparing, we have all the plans for the World Cup in the back of our minds, so we will try to do well in this tri-nation series and also build a combination because we are playing one-day matches after a long time.”Pakistan have several experienced players in their ODI squad, including Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Meanwhile, younger players such as Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz and wicket-keeper Saad Baig will be looking to establish themselves.Fakhar, Pakistan's only double centurion in the men's ODIs, said the squad's recent first-class cricket commitments could help players adapt to the demands of the 50-over format.“The best thing about the combination is that all the boys are coming after playing the first-class season.

So everyone is in rhythm and is coming after playing a long format of cricket,” he said.“When you play first-class cricket then 50 overs format does not seem that long to you, whereas when you play T20 regularly, it seems a little long,” Fakhar said.The left-handed opener added that Pakistan's bowlers had also shown encouraging signs, with the squad eager to establish a settled combination ahead of the global tournament.“We….

Everyone has the World Cup in their minds,” he said.Pakistan's recent ODI results have offered grounds for optimism.

They swept Sri Lanka 3-0 at home in November 2025, defeated South Africa 2-1 and beat Australia by the same margin in home series in May and June 2026.

However, they suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Bangladesh in March.Fakhar acknowledged the pressure on senior players to deliver, saying criticism was an inevitable part of the professional sport when results did not go their way.“When you perform, you get appreciation from fans.

When you don't do well, then it is natural that things don't feel good,” he said.“Every person, senior and junior, tries to do their best and improve in their profession.”Pakistan have not won a major global cricket title in recent years, and Fakhar said the squad understood the importance of turning promising performances into silverware.“We are excited right now, and we definitely have this thought in the back of our….

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have started their preparation from Thursday.The series will be played under double league round robin format with the top two teams progressing to the October 31 final.

Fakhar highlights World Cup preparations Sports Desk | Updated 14 minutes ago | Opener says tri-series offers Pakistan chance to build combination ahead of 2027 global event.