RAWALPINDI: Captain Shahe­en Shah Afridi on Saturday said that Pakistan were focusing firmly on One-day International cricket while emphasising that the home tri-nation series starting today was crucial in building a strong squad for next year’s ICC World Cup.

Pakistan face Sri Lanka in the opening match of the ODI tri-series starting at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. England are the third team of the event that will continue till Oct 31 with matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Speaking at a pre-series media conference at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Shaheen said that the team would not be discussing the recently-concluded T20 series against Sri Lanka which Pakistan won 2-1 and would concentrate on the 50-over format.

“We have tried to build this team over the last four ODI series. Our focus is the World Cup and how best we can prepare for it [through this tri-series and after that],” Shaheen told reporters.

The lanky pacer added that efforts were being made to prepare pitches in a similar way and to help the bowlers, so that Pakistan have the batting and bowling strength to take wickets and chase totals when they play in South Africa and England.

Shaheen praised Salman Ali Agha, describing him as a strong character in One-day International cricket.

“Salman is a strong character and leading ODI player. Everyone knows his performance. He recently went to first-class cricket and scored a triple hundred and a hundred,” the skipper highlighted.

On his own role, the left-armer said that he tried to produce impressive all-round performance.

“I always try to deliver for my team in all three departments. That will benefit the team, and I will continue to do that,” he said.

Shaheen stressed that the team was united and that every player shared the same goal – of winning the World Cup.

“Our team unity is very good. We all have one focus, how to win the World Cup. There is love in this team and we play together.”

‘BABAR OUR MAIN PLAYER’

Responding to a question regarding Babar Azam, Shaheen said there was no pressure on the senior batter.

“Babar is the [team’s] main player. He is the backbone of this team. He performed well in our last home ODI series as well. He went to domestic cricket and tried to score runs. He has always scored runs for Pakistan,” the captain said.

On the team’s approach, Shaheen said that Pakistan would focus on basics and winning matches rather than trying to be overly aggressive.

“We have a plan but some [part of] that planning cannot be shared openly. Our effort is to win every match, [for which] we will play basic cricket,” he stated.

‘PAKISTAN CAN CHASE 350-400’

He expressed confidence in Pakistan’s batting, claiming that the hosts had the ability to chase massive totals in specific conditions.

“If the wicket demands 300 runs, we will go for 300. We can chase 350 and 400 as well. It will depend on the situation and the opposition,” the skipper said.

Answering a question on young players, Shaheen said that they were being introduced gradually alongside seniors so that the former could learn from experienced campaigners like Babar.

“Building a team does not mean bringing five or six youngsters at once. They are given opportunities one or two at a time, so they can learn from the seniors.”

In his media conference, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis said that the tri-series was very important for all three teams keeping in view the World Cup, insisting that his squad was ready for the tournament.

He noted that a few players have changed from the T20I squad to the ODI squad, with some seniors returning for the ODI campaign.

“A couple of players are changing in the T20 squad and one-day squad, then the senior players are coming for the ODIs. I’m very happy with my squad,” Mendis said.

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s T20I performance, the skipper said that the team’s win in the third T20 International against Pakistan in Rawalpindi had boosted the morale.

“In the first game, we played really well in bowling and batting, and in the last game bowling part did well. When we come into this one-day tournament we have more positive things after the T20 series,” he said.

The Sri Lankan captain expressed confidence in his spin attack, comprising Maheesh Theekshana, and newcomers Dunith Wellalage and Sachindu Colombage.

He added that while Sri Lanka favoured spin, his team was concentrating on adapting to the conditions in away competitions.

He added that they had a balanced squad.

“We have a more balanced ODI team comprising experienced players who can handle any situation,” Mendis concluded.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2026