Babar backs eight new faces for Sri Lanka Test series

Pakistan captain Babar Azam will take a squad containing almost eight new players into the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday. He said the side is already looking beyond the current World Test Championship cycle.

Speaking at a pre-match news conference on Sunday, Babar said the coach and selectors had picked the squad on first-class form after the tour of England, and that his task was to get the newcomers performing.

"We have taken a different step and brought in different players. We are trying to find the right combination of senior and junior players so that we can give youngsters the opportunity to express themselves and perform," he said. "There are almost eight new players, and all of them are young talents."

Pakistan sit near the end of the present WTC cycle. "We are almost out of this cycle and are looking forward to the next Test Championship cycle and preparing for it. InshaAllah, you will see a different team," Babar said.

He said the confidence from Pakistan's recent ODI tri-series victory would carry into the longer format, although he accepted that Test cricket makes different demands. "Whenever you win a series or a match, you definitely gain confidence. As a team and as individual players, you benefit from it. We will bring that same vibe into the Test match," he said. "Whenever a young team comes together, it brings a different energy."

Babar said his job as captain was to give players clear roles, use his bowlers effectively and steady younger teammates when pressure builds. "As a senior player, I try to guide them and share my experience," he said.

He said the team would not dwell on recent defeats. "We will not talk about the past. We will talk about what we can learn from it, what we can bring into the future and what message we can give the young players."

Asked about his own form and criticism from former cricketers, Babar said he remained focused on practice and self-analysis. "My thinking is always positive. As a player, particularly as a senior player, you always try to do your best in every match. Everyone has a different opinion," he said. "No player is perfect."

On selection, he said the squad was chosen by the coach and selectors. "My job is to get the players to perform and fight for the team. The rest is not in my hands," he said.

Babar said he had no direct contact with former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf but would welcome his advice. "He is a legend and one of Pakistan's best batsmen," he said.

He described every series and match as important to him. "The fans have high expectations, and I prepare accordingly. The results are in God's hands," he said.