Pakistan ODI captain Azhar Pakistan will directly qualify for World Cup 2019

Pakistan ODI captain Azhar Ali has said that his side will be committed to qualifying directly for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 after putting a strong performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, which will be played in the summer next year.

“The ICC 2017 Champions Trophy  is a crucial event for us, where as a team our main goal will be to win as many matches as possible so that we can improve our team ranking and qualify automatically for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019,” he said in a statement after the ICC announced the Champions Trophy schedule on Wednesday.

 “A lot of ODI cricket is scheduled in the lead up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, and it will be our best chance to learn, improve and win as many matches as possible so that we arrive in England and Wales next year fully prepared and ready for the challenge,” said the Azar Ali Pakistan captain.

Azhar Ali said he was hoping that Pakistan cricket  team would work out its weaknesses in time to win the trophy.

“The ICC Champions Trophy is one trophy which is missing from our cabinet. It has earned the status as one of the most demanding, challenging and intense competitions. So, it will be nice if we can get our hands on this piece of silverware next year.”

Ali, who has already represented the Men in Green in 33 ODIs, where he averages over 41 with the bat, went on to further emphasise the importance of the preparation before the main event, where  team Pakistan are placed in Group B alongside defending champions and arch-rivals Sri Lanka,India and South Africa.

“In the face of competition from some outstanding teams and players, it will not be easy,” he said. “But success at any global event comes only after persistent preparations and efforts, which have to be backed up by consistent performances.

“I am hoping that over the next 12 months, we will be able to build on our strengths and achieve our objectives.