Fakhar Zaman admits Pakistan under pressure to end ICC trophy drought ahead of 2027 World Cup

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman has admitted that the team is under pressure to end its long wait for an ICC title, expressing hope that the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup will provide an opportunity to bring the trophy back to the country.

Pakistan last won an ICC trophy in 2017 when they defeated India in the Champions Trophy final. Since then, the team has reached the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup but lost to England in Melbourne.

Speaking to reporters, Fakhar acknowledged that the players are aware of the disappointment among supporters and have held extensive discussions about ending the country's wait for a major international title.

"There is pressure on us as a team to deliver an ICC trophy, and we have had extensive discussions about ending the country's wait for a major international trophy," Fakhar said.

He also recognised the expectations surrounding the team, explaining that performances on the field directly influence the support and reactions players receive from fans.

"It is natural that people are disappointed about Pakistan not being able to win an ICC title for long, and we also know that when we do well, we are showered with love and admiration," he added.

The left-handed batter stressed that winning a major tournament brings a different kind of satisfaction compared to reaching the latter stages of a competition.

"The happiness you experience as a nation after winning a trophy is different from reaching semi-finals or finals," Fakhar said.

Fakhar Zaman on Pakistan's 2027 ODI World cup preparations

Fakhar said Pakistan are taking the challenge seriously and are determined to make their best effort to end the ICC trophy drought.

"We are taking it very seriously. We will do our best, and we hope Allah helps us bring the World Cup trophy back to Pakistan," he said.

The 2027 ODI World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Pakistan will look to build a competitive squad ahead of the tournament, with Fakhar identifying the upcoming tri-series involving England and Sri Lanka as an important step in their preparations.

According to the batter, the team wants to establish its ideal combination well in advance of the global event. He also highlighted the benefits of players having gained match practice in domestic cricket.

"The idea is to start building a perfect combination for the World Cup from now, and the good thing is most of our players are going into the tri-series having played domestic cricket," Fakhar said.

He further explained that transitioning from longer formats to ODI cricket can help players adapt to the demands of 50-over matches.

"When you play 50-overs cricket after First-Class, it is much easier to adapt, but going from T20 to ODIs is never easy. It is encouraging that all the players have come through the season and are in very good touch," he added.

Fakhar Zaman says Pakistan's White-Ball plans are different

Fakhar also addressed Pakistan's recent struggles in Test cricket, including their 0-3 series defeat against England, while stressing that red-ball and white-ball cricket require different approaches.

The batter said the team had discussed its plans extensively but indicated that certain details would remain confidential.

"We have discussed our plans extensively, although there are certain things we cannot discuss on camera. There have been plenty of discussions, but red-ball and white-ball cricket are very different," he said.

Fakhar added that changes within the team had also contributed to a sense of optimism ahead of the upcoming challenges.

"There have also been significant changes in the team, so we are hopeful and excited. With the way our preparations are progressing, the World Cup is also in the back of our minds," he added.

Pakistan will now aim to use their upcoming assignments to strengthen their squad and build momentum as they target a return to the top of international cricket.