PAK vs WI | This is an important series for us, with Super League points at stake: Babar Azam

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has stressed the importance of the forthcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, alluding to the 30 ODI Super League points on offer.

Pakistan will host the Nicholas Pooran-led unit in a three-match series in Multan, starting June 08.

This series was initially supposed to occur in December 2021 but was eventually postponed due to Covid-19.

This will be Pakistan's fifth assignment in the ODI Super League. The 1992 World Champions have defeated Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Australia but came up short against England last year.

The Men in Green will come into this series on the back of a 2-1 series win against a second-string Australian team back in March.

Speaking to the media ahead of the series-opener in Multan, Azam said his players have put in a lot of effort. The home side will look to gain the maximum points and consolidate their position in the league table.

"This is an important series for us as it holds important Super League points. The players have been putting in a lot of effort to prepare themselves for the West Indies challenge. We are eager to win another series and bag maximum points to consolidate our chances for direct qualification in the 2023 World Cup," said Babar Azam, as quoted by the PCB.

The entire ODI series will be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

This will be the first time since 2007 that Multan will host international cricket, and Azam is excited at the prospect of playing his international game at the venue in front of a packed stadium.

"It is a really exciting moment for me to lead Pakistan in Multan for this all-important series. Multan is home to passionate cricket fans, and it is great to be here. I am looking forward to the fans cheering the return of international cricket after a lengthy gap, and I am sure they will get to see some great cricket at the beautiful Multan Cricket Stadium," said Babar.

With 60 points after 12 outings, Pakistan are currently at the 10th spot in the league table, and if they manage to win the series 3-0. Then they will leapfrog West Indies, who are at the 4th spot with 80 points after 18 outings.