Imran satisfied with Afridi's captaincy

Karachi:

Former captain Imran Khan is satisfied with Shahid Afridi's captaincy so far despite Pakistan facing reverses in the recent Twenty20 World Cup and ongoing Asia Cup under him.

Asked for his comments on Afridi's captaincy in the Asia Cup, Imran said the real test for Afridi would come in Pakistan's full tour of England next month where conditions would be different and the opposition strong.

"Wait and see. So far I would say his captaincy has been satisfactory. But the real test will come in England where you play Tests in testing conditions," he said.

Imran said Pakistan's loss to India in Asia Cup yesterday in Sri Lanka showed that the team needed improvement in some departments of the game.

"The Asia Cup was a good preparation for the England tour where we have to play all formats of the game. The team needs improvement in some aspects," he said.

He also advised the selectors to include some senior players, including former captain Younus Khan, in the side for England tour.

"I would like to see Younis Khan back in the side. In England your batting is going to be tested. You can't just push youngsters into the deep end," the former captain said.

Imran also reiterated his long held view that coaches do not have any role in the improvement of team performance.

"I have never believed in this concept of coaching in cricket because it is a sport where the individual matter. It is all about how much effort, hardwork and time an individual is willing to put into his game and his fitness. The same rule applies for batting, bowling or fielding."