The seasoned Kiwi coach came under criticism from several former players such as Rashid Latif, Basit Ali, Mohsin Khan, Moin Khan, and Sikander Bakht when media reported said he had asked Babar to keep wickets in the shortest format.
'As players, you need to stay calm, try and block that noise out, and just play with the same intensity as you would play Australia or any other team.'
Cricket has never been the same since India's thrilling, last-over win over Pakistan in the final at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, on September 24, 2007.
Pakistan's star forward Mohammad Rizwan Sr. is a big fan of Indian captain Sardar Singh and wants to pick up a few nuances of the game from him when the two play together for the Delhi Waveriders in the upcoming Hockey India League.
Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas have been named in Pakistan's team for the first Test starting on Thursday in Centurion - the first red-ball assignment for newly-appointed interim coach Aqib Javed.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to investigate a case involving a UK-based Pakistani agent, Mughiz Ahmad Shearachiikh, who has been suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for breaching its anti-corruption code. Shearachiikh and his company, International Cricketers Association (ICA), had signed several centrally contracted Pakistani players last year.
NZ hand young talent contracts as big guns remain casual
Rizwan said advice from Pujara helped him
Former cricketer Basit Ali disclosed that Gary Kirsten was displeased with Mohammad Rizwan's appointment as Pakistan's white-ball captain
Pakistan's Olympics gold-winning javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem's Instagram account has been blocked in India owing to a "legal request" in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.
With their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread, Mohammad Rizwan and his men are now at the mercy of other results.
Pakistan and Bangladesh will face off in a dead rubber match in the Champions Trophy on Thursday, both teams looking to salvage some pride after disappointing tournament performances. Both teams have suffered heavy defeats to New Zealand.
Pakistan's white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan is confident of winning the upcoming T20 international series in Australia and is also eyeing a whitewash of the home team.
The run-up to the marquee event has been chaotic to say the least with change in captaincy, shuffling of the top-order and players coming out of retirement.
Suryakumar (838) is still second ahead of the blockbuster clash
It has been a forgettable campaign for Pakistan in the first global tournament to be staged in the country since 1996.
'India is a strong team. Pakistan is inconsistent.'
The Instagram accounts of leading current and former Pakistani cricketers were blocked in India on Friday.
Chasing 185 for victory, Bangaldesh were well-placed on 42 for no loss in seven overs before rain forced the players off the field in the post-tea session.
Ben Sears picked up five wickets as New Zealand outclassed Pakistan by 43 runs in the third and final ODI, to register a 3-0 series whitewash.
But Stokes then introduced Ahmed in the afternoon session and the youngster ripped apart Pakistan's middle order.
Pakistan completed a clean sweep of their One-day International series in South Africa with victory by 36 runs in the third and final clash at The Wanderers on Sunday.
In a nail-biting finish at the MCG, Australia clinched a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first ODI on Monday night.
While India are on a high after a measured six-wicket win over a sprightly Bangladesh, Pakistan are evidently tense after the 60-run loss in the tournament-opener to New Zealand.
Babar Azam's approach drew heavy criticism from fans
Virat Kohli anchored a tricky chase with an unbeaten 100.
Pakistan replaced veteran stumper Sarfaraz Ahmed with Mohammad Rizwan for the second match of the three-Test series.
Unless a player picks up an injury in training, India's team is expected to wear the same look against a Pakistan squad that are without top stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, lending it a look of youth and experience.
Ryan Rickelton struck a career-best unbeaten 176 and his captain Temba Bavuma scored 106 as South Africa pummelled Pakistan's seamers at Newlands to finish the first day of the second and final Test on 316 for four on Friday.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan were pick of the bowlers as they scalped two wickets each.
Babar Azam is set to return as Pakistan skipper for their home series against New Zealand, starting April 14.
Pakistan have made four changes to the side for the second Test against England after resting senior cricketers including former captain Babar Azam from the rest of the series.
'How can our cricket progress when there is a sword hanging constantly over the captain and coaches' heads.'
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson said Babar Azam has been asked to improve certain aspects of his game.
'Given the conditions, I expected Pakistan to continue batting and build a substantial lead.'
Mark Chapman scored 132 and Daryl Mitchell 76 in a 199-run partnership as New Zealand amassed 344 for 9 and went on to beat Pakistan by 73 runs in the first One-Day International at Napier on Saturday.
Even though IPL is widely regarded as the top T20 tournament worldwide, Hasan is optimistic that despite the scheduling clash, viewers will prefer to watch PSL if the players up the ante and perform better.
West Indies were bowled out for 163 before they fought back to dismiss Pakistan for 154 shortly before the close of play.
Pakistan's head coach for limited-overs format Gary Kirsten has returned home with the board set to announce the successor to captain Babar Azam in white-ball formats later in the month.
IMAGES from Day 2 of the second Test played between Pakistan and England in Multan on Wednesday.
