Babar Azam opens up about Imam-ul-Haq’s tweet and Mohammad Rizwan’s desire to bat up in ODIs

“Rizwan said it’s my wish to play at four but we will have to keep the team’s requirement in mind and that’s how we will communicate with the players. This is a team where no player says I want to play at this specific number,” Babar said in the post-match press conference.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam's press conference at the end of the ODI series.#PAKvNZ | #CricketMubarak https://t.co/DdUkCmIGfs

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 7, 2023

“Everyone is playing for Pakistan and Rizwan has performed at both batting positions. Every player is striving for the team’s win and Rizwan is one of the best players…he has won us many games,” he added.

Opener Imam-ul-Haq, who posted a cryptic tweet on Sunday morning after being dropped in the fourth and fifth ODI despite scoring two half-centuries in the first three ODIs.

“Life is an unexpected journey so never expect anything from anyone”. Be patient, Allah is watching❗️

— Imam Ul Haq (@ImamUlHaq12) May 7, 2023

“I haven’t checked my mobile and don’t know what Imam has tweeted,” said Babar.

Babar Azam also played down the rumour that there is an internal conflict in the dressing room.

“There are no disgruntled players in our team and the unity is good. We try to resolve our matters within ourselves and not take them out,” he said.

“We are like a family and our trust level is very good. I don’t think Imam’s tweet would be related to him being excluded from final two ODIs,” he added.