Fakhar Zaman Targets World Cup Glory in Pakistan’s Bid to End ICC Trophy Drought

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman is determined to help Pakistan end its long wait for a major International Cricket Council (ICC) trophy, with the 2027 ODI World Cup potentially offering one of his final opportunities to achieve that goal.

Fakhar rose to prominence after his match-winning century in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final against India, which helped Pakistan secure its last major ICC title. Since then, the team has experienced several disappointments, despite reaching the semi-finals of the 2021 T20 World Cup and the final of the 2022 edition.

Speaking to reporters at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, Fakhar acknowledged that Pakistan had waited too long for another major trophy.

“We know it’s been quite a while since we’ve won a major tournament,” he said, adding that reaching finals and semi-finals could not match the happiness of winning a title.

The 36-year-old left-handed batter said the players had discussed the issue seriously and remained committed to bringing a trophy back to Pakistan.

Fakhar will be 37 when the 2027 ODI World Cup takes place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The tournament could represent a significant opportunity for him and senior teammates, including Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, to add another major achievement to their careers.

Pakistan Begin World Cup Preparations

Pakistan’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup will continue with an ODI tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and England. The competition will follow a double round-robin format, with the opening three matches scheduled in Rawalpindi before the remaining league games and final take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The final is scheduled for October 31.

Fakhar said the team was already considering the conditions it could encounter during the World Cup, particularly in South Africa. He also expressed confidence in the squad’s balance and the preparation of the pitches.

“The combination for the 2027 World Cup is looking very good,” he said, noting that the players had the tournament in mind.

Pakistan’s squad combines specialist batters and bowlers with an all-rounder, reflecting the team’s efforts to establish a suitable balance for the challenges ahead.

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First-Class Cricket Expected to Help Players

Fakhar believes the players’ recent participation in the President’s Trophy, a domestic first-class competition featuring departmental teams, will help them prepare for the 50-over format.

He said regular first-class cricket had helped players develop rhythm and build the endurance required for longer matches.

According to Fakhar, players accustomed to extended spells of cricket may find the 50-over format less demanding than those who primarily play T20 cricket.

His comments underline the importance of domestic cricket in preparing Pakistan’s squad for the demands of the upcoming international series and the longer-term World Cup campaign.

Fakhar Eyes Another ODI Milestone

Despite Pakistan’s struggles to win major tournaments, Fakhar has maintained a strong record in one-day international cricket since his breakthrough in 2017.

He has scored 3,861 runs in 92 ODIs at an average of more than 45. With at least four matches scheduled in the tri-series, he will have an opportunity to reach the 4,000-run milestone.

Pakistan are also scheduled to play a five-match ODI series in England in May 2027 ahead of the World Cup.

Fakhar said ODI cricket remained his favourite format and that he was particularly excited about the opportunities ahead.

As Pakistan work towards the 2027 World Cup, the experienced opener will aim to help the team rediscover the success it enjoyed in 2017. For Fakhar and his generation of players, the tournament could provide an important opportunity to pursue another memorable international triumph.