International cricket’s return is great for all of us: Afridi

Pakistan’s fast-bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, in a press conference at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, stated that the return of Test cricket in Pakistan is great for everyone.

The young fast-bowler claimed that the bowlers will try to maximise the new ball inorder to get the advantage in the first innings.

“Taking that first wicket was a great moment for me. We will try to restrict the Sri Lanka side to under 300.  We strive to perform well. We have a new ball so we will try to perform as best as we can. International cricket’s return to Pakistan is great for all of us. The series against Sri Lanka will be an interesting one,” said Afridi.

Afirdi revealed that playing in front of his home crowd was a great feeling which has been a source of happiness for both players and fans alike.

“Playing in front of your home crowd is a great feeling. My friends came all the way from my native village to Rawalpindi to see me perform. Just like the fans, every player is happy as well. This tour has paved the way for the complete return of international cricket and other teams will also follow soon,” he said.

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The 19-year-old praised Pakistan’s bowling coach Waqar Younis and his brother Riaz Afridi for mentoring him throughout his career.

“It is hard to finish early with four fast-bowlers but we will still try to finish things early by taking wickets. Waqar Younis is my ideal coach. He guides me every step of the way and I get to learn a lot in the process. When I was new to cricket, I learned a lot from my brother. He taught me a lot and I still get to learn a lot from my brother Riaz Afridi,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella claimed that Pakistan was a tough team and that they will try to make more than 300 runs in their first innings.

“The rain has caused problems for both sides but it is part and parcel of the game. We have a plan to make more than 300 runs. We want good competition in the series. The atmosphere is great and it is a great experience to play cricket in this environment. Pakistan is a very tough team,” said Dickwella.