Former Pakistan all-rounder believes that Men in Green have the tools to put up a great performance during the mega event
21 February, 2019
PHOTO: AFP
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is hopeful that the Men in Green will put up a good show, during the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup in England and Wales.
While talking exclusively to Cricket Pakistan, Afridi suggested that the players should stick together and play as a well-knit unit.
“The team should form unity in bad times because everyone is with them during good times,” said Afridi. “I hope they will perform well in the upcoming mega event.”
Afridi — who represented Pakistan in 27 Tests, 398 One-Day Internationals and 99 T20Is — also believes that success of Pakistan Super League (PSL) is very important for the future of Pakistan cricket. He also termed it as a great platform for upcoming cricketers, who are aiming to serve the country.
“The success of PSL is very important for our cricket. It is a great platform for the upcoming cricketers,” he said. “It has already produced a number of fine cricketers for our side and I hope we will unearth few more this season.”
The 38-year-old also highlighted the importance of cricket returning to Pakistan and he appreciated the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s former Chairman Najam Sethi for making it possible.
“More cricket is now taking place in Pakistan which is great. It is good to see that now we are hosting eight PSL matches in the country,” he said. “I congratulate the cricket board and Najam Sethi for making it possible.”
Commenting on his own desire to perform in front of the home crowd, the veteran all-rounder was disappointed that he missed last two opportunities of performing in Pakistan due to fitness issues. However his is very excited to play in the country again.
“Obviously, I’m looking forward to it. I was disappointed for myself and my fans that on both occasions I was not fit to play when cricket returned home,” he said.
Revealing his future plans, the star all-rounder stated that he has prolonged his T20 career because his fans still love to see him on the field.
“I’m playing cricket for my fans. They don’t want me to leave. I have already limited my cricket. I used to play Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in West Indies and a few others. But now I’m featuring in just a few,” he said.
Although he added: “Cricket is getting competitive day by day now and it is also getting hard for me to compete. But as long as I stay fit I will continue to play for my fans.”
