Fakhar Zaman says Pakistan feels pressure to win ICC trophy

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman says the national team feels pressure to end its wait for an ICC trophy, as players begin preparing for the 2027 50-over World Cup. He said the squad has discussed the drought and will use an upcoming one-day international tri-series with England and Sri Lanka to test combinations for the tournament. Pakistan last won an ICC title in 2017, when it claimed the Champions Trophy. Its most recent appearance in an ICC final was the 2022 T20 World Cup, where it lost to England. Zaman said players take the expectation seriously and understand supporters’ disappointment, while stressing that winning a trophy brings a different sense of national celebration than reaching a semifinal or final. The tri-series is set to provide Pakistan with an opportunity to assess its options in 50-over cricket. Zaman said the plan is to start building a settled combination well ahead of the World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. He also said many squad members had recently played domestic cricket and were in good form. Zaman described the transition from first-class cricket to one-day internationals as easier than moving directly...