How the Pakistan players and team staff felt on the massive Champions Trophy win, which made more bigger as it came against the nemesis, India.
Mickey Arthur
This is a massive win and it will go a long way in establishing and maturing this team. The platform is set for us to do well in the 2019 World Cup and we hope to build on to this win. We were ruled out after the first defeat but the kind of resolve this team has shown is great and the culture of fitness we introduced in the team is paying off.
It’s been an up and down ride for us, but I’m so proud of the boys. We dusted ourselves off after the India defeat in Edgbaston and came back superbly. We knew we were prepared well. That loss was an aberration. It’s a remarkable achievement.
I am heading home to Australia for a few days and then will return to Pakistan to prepare for the future.
Sarfraz Ahmed
“After the India match, one thing I said to my boys was the tournament hasn’t finished yet. I think he’s [Fakhar Zaman] a great impact player. Credit goes to him, he was playing his first ICC event, and he played like a champion player. I also want to give credit to my bowlers. Amir bowled brilliantly all the tournament, and so did Junaid, Shadab, Imad, Hasan, they all bowled very well.
“It’s a very young team and credit goes to them and the management. It’s a very important boost for us to win this. When we arrived here, we just played like we have nothing to lose. Credit goes to my batsmen, my bowlers and the team management. I think it’s a very proud moment for me, and my team and my country. I want to thank the people of Pakistan. Keep supporting us and praying for us. Also thank you to all the supporters here who watched us play!”
Shoaib Malik
I am lost for words. It’s tough to describe this feeling in words. Back home, I’m sure roads will be blocked. People will be out dancing even though it is Ramazan. I would like to congratulate all the Pakistani people all over the world. This brings us united. I would also like to thank the Indian cricket team for playing the way they did throughout the tournament.
“I wasn’t nervous, we were okay. Being a senior cricketer, a lot of youngsters look at you. I thought I have to calm myself and this is what I did. Credit to the boys for the way they played, controlled their aggression.”
Fakhar Zaman
Mubarak, mubarak to all Pakistan. This is a great victory and I am proud to have scored a hundred in the final.
Mohammad Hafeez
Great team effort! After losing the first game, we were nowhere. We were in the knockouts stage but no one gave us a chance. The way we showed character, this is for the nation. They have been waiting for this for a long, long time. This is the least we could do.
“The platform was there, when Fakhar and Azhar gave us a stand, we thought of 300 plus. I wanted to express myself without any fear in the mind. I just wanted to hit the ball hard. We all wanted to do something for the nation. Winning any tournament is a great feeling.
“I believe it’s not about winning against the odds. We wanted to inspire the nation because we’ve been missing this from nine years … no cricket at home. Millions of people waited for that, we’ve been waiting for a moment like this.”
Imad Wasim
Unbelievable! The crowd has been cheering like we’re in Pakistan. Thanks to all the people who supported us. The roads will be blocked, jam packed in Pakistan. I can’t wait to go home.
After the first game, we were down and out. We sat together and decided we have to do something. Everyone was writing us off and we were like ‘don’t write us off just yet.’ Pakistan can do anything on any given day, and we beat four top sides!”
Mohammad Amir
We had planned to remove the top order, Rohit, Virat and Dhawan so that we can get into the unexposed middle order and that paid off. Shikhar, Rohit and Kohli were in tremendous form. I was looking for early wickets and I did it. To be honest, this is team work. The South Africa game gave us momentum.
Azhar Ali
I can’t describe the feeling. It’s a dream come true for all of us. The bunch of players have proved their worth and their talent. The manner in which we were ruled out was disappointing but we promised to ourselves that we will turn that around and through that resolve we did turn that in an incredible manner.
We were very pumped up for this final and everything went in our favour so this win is for the whole nation as they were praying for us.
Hasan Ali
First of all thanks Allah. I dedicate this win and my winning wayward to my mother as she always prays for me. A year ago I wasn’t in the side but I worked hard and believed in myself, and thankfully gave a good performance. I have been learning since the start that if your body has energy you can perform well.
“I was very calm, no pressure on me, and thankfully I did well in all our games. This was a great tournament for me as I dismissed some top players. It was very special to take the last wicket that won us. The tournament was very special for me and I will definitely remember that.”
Azhar Mahmood
It’s a team effort and a great win. I think Fakhar Zaman is a brilliant guy. Up the order he put pressure on the opposition, that’s why he made 300 odd runs in the tournament, if we’ve got a player like him to get such runs that’s a brilliant sign for us. Hasan Ali bowls with a big heart. Every time he runs in, he wants to get a wicket. The attitude is brilliant.”
Junaid Khan
I am proud to be part of this team. This win is great and we all have done extra hard work to turn around things. It’s a great team in which everyone supports the other.
Shadab Khan
I am so poud to be part of this team and a winning team so early in my career. I am happy to have played my part.
Rumman Raees
Although I got just one chance but even that chance was more than enough for me. I am sure I will get more chances but to be on the bench in the final was a great feeling.
Babar Azam
It’s a feeling of life. We have conquered the world and to have beaten India in the final is a double joy. The win is accomplished because of millions of people back home praying for us in the holy month of Ramadan. I hope this support will continue in future.
Haris Sohail
I didn’t get an opportunity but that did not stop me from enjoying the win. I was part of a squad that was backed so well and everyone was supporting the other. I enjoyed all the wins, especially the final when we beat such an over confident team.
