Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has expressed unshakeable confidence in his side’s ability to secure the upcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in South Africa, asserting that the squad is fully prepared to end their long-standing drought in global tournaments and bring the coveted trophy back home.

Speaking about the team’s ambitions, the aggressive left-handed batsman emphasised that the players are approaching the flagship event with utmost seriousness. Pakistan last tasted success in a major International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament back in 2017, when they famously defeated arch-rivals India to lift the ICC Champions Trophy in England. That triumph remains a high-water mark in recent Pakistani cricket history, as subsequent ICC campaigns across both the 50-over and T20 formats have ended in near-misses and disappointing early exits.

Addressing the severe scrutiny and pressure surrounding the national side, Fakhar acknowledged that public frustration over the prolonged lack of silverware is completely justified. He revealed that the squad has held extensive internal discussions focused specifically on rectifying their past shortcomings in knockout fixtures.

While Pakistani supporters consistently shower the team with immense affection and respect during strong runs, reaching a semi-final or final is no longer deemed sufficient by either the players or the public. The thrill of taking home an international title generates a unique sense of national pride and celebration that far surpasses merely making the final stages of a tournament.

To fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming World Cup, Pakistan are currently featuring in a high-stakes ODI tri-series against England and Sri Lanka. Fakhar highlighted the importance of this competitive assignment, describing it as an essential testing ground for establishing team combinations and building crucial momentum.

A significant advantage for Pakistan heading into this series is that most squad members arrive with valuable match sharpness, having featured extensively in domestic cricket prior to joining the national setup. With the foundation for World Cup selection being laid right now, the team remains firmly focused on transforming high expectations into tangible success on the global stage.