Pakistan's veteran opener Fakhar Zaman admitted the team is under pressure to win an ICC trophy and hopes the wait ends at next year's World Cup. Pakistan's last ICC title win came in the form of the Champions Trophy in 2017 when they beat India in the final. Since then, they have reached the final of the T20 World Cup 2022, where they lost to England.

Speaking to reporters, Fakhar said Pakistan's players have repeatedly discussed their inability to secure an ICC title since their last triumph in 2017, acknowledging the prolonged drought as a concern for the team.

"There is pressure on us as a team to deliver an ICC trophy, and we have had extensive discussions about ending the country's wait for a major international trophy," said Fakhar, as quoted by PTI.

"It is natural (that) people are disappointed about Pakistan not being able to win an ICC title for long, and we also know that when we do well, we are showered with love and admiration."

"When you perform well, people show you more love. When you do not perform well, naturally, they are disappointed. Whether senior or junior, every player tries to perform to the best of their ability and improve in their profession."

"The happiness you experience as a nation after winning a trophy is different from reaching semi-finals or finals," he added.

The left-hander stressed that the Pakistan team is fully focused on ending its prolonged wait for an ICC title and is treating the challenge as a top priority.

"We are taking it very seriously. We will do our best, and we hope Allah helps us bring the World Cup trophy back to Pakistan," said Fakhar.

Fakhar identified the upcoming tri-series against England and Sri Lanka as an important starting point for Pakistan's World Cup preparations, with the team aiming to settle on its ideal combination.

"The idea is to start building a perfect combination for the World Cup from now, and the good thing is most of our players are going into the tri-series having played domestic cricket," said Fakhar.

"When you play 50-overs cricket after First-Class, it is much easier to adapt, but going from T20 to ODIs is never easy. It is encouraging that all the players have come through the season and are in very good touch," he added.

Pakistan are in Group A alongside India, Afghanistan, Australia, Zimbabwe and Qualifier A. They will begin their campaign against Afghanistan on October 8 and face India two days later.

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