Babar Azam's batting position has been a topic of hot debate among Pakistan cricket fans, but before the ICC Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand, ??Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan confirmed that right-hander Babar Azam will continue opening the batting in the upcoming tournament.

"Babar will continue opening the batting for us in the Champions Trophy. He is satisfied with his batting position," Rizwan told reporters.

Rizwan also reiterated that the tournament is not just about him and Babar; rather, he wants a total team effort.

"It is not just about me and Babar Azam. Everyone is training very hard and working hard to win the Champions Trophy. We are just controlling the controlables," said Rizwan.

With an ICC event returning to Pakistan after 29 years, Rizwan said, "We suffered for 10 years. No team toured Pakistan, but the team continued to perform well. There should be no doubt that our team lacks players or quality. Yes, on the day we might lose and fall behind, we are trying to give our best and perform well in the tournament."

"As a captain, it feels the best when the win comes through a complete team performance. But in the recent few matches, it has boiled down to individual performances when we have won. The focus right now is on all 15 members, all 15 members are captains. I just come in front of the media or the toss," he added.

Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy: Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Ali Agha, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.