Pakistan won the second edition of the T20 World Cup way back in 2009
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his confidence in Pakistan's prospects for the T20 World Cup 2024 being co-hosted by the USA and West Indies.
While speaking on the PCB Podcast on Tuesday, Afridi backs the national team and predicted that the team could make it to the final of the tournament.
“The conditions in the West Indies and USA will suit our players. Our spinners and fast bowlers are good and the batters are also in outstanding form,” Afridi said.
Highlighting the importance of fielding, Afridi added, “Another important thing that will win Pakistan matches will be their fielding as they should avail every available opportunity."
Afridi urged the entire team, particularly the senior players, to rally behind captain Babar Azam and emphasized the need for fearless decision-making.
“The entire team should support Babar, especially the seniors, and the captain should be fearless while taking decisions," he said.
“I’m confident that Pakistan can play the final of the World Cup,” he concluded.
Pakistan's journey begins in Dallas, where they will take on co-host USA on June 6, followed by matches against India on June 9 and Canada on June 12 in New York. Their final league match against Ireland is slated for June 16 in Florida.
Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2024: Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
Pakistan’s schedule of matches:
6 June – vs USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas
9 June – vs India, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
11 June – vs Canada, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York
16 June – vs Ireland, Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida