Shahid Afridi Hopes Other Teams Follow Zimbabwe in Touring Pakistan
Pakistan Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi said it was gratifying to play the first international match at home in six years. The hosts take on Zimbabwe in the first of two T20 Internationals in Lahore on Friday.
Pakistan's T20 captain Shahid Afridi has said that he is not worried about his recent form in limited overs cricket and playing the first series against a Test side on Pakistani soil in six years would lift his game.
"I don't worry about form because it happens with every player, the main thing is that I am looking ahead and I am confident I can contribute to the team," the flamboyant all-rounder said. (PCB Chief Wants More Asian Support)
Afridi spent the entire Thursday interacting with the media on television or otherwise including a pre match press conference at the Gaddafi stadium where the trophy for the series against Zimbabwe was also unveiled.
The first T20 match of the series is to be played on Friday followed by the second match on Sunday.
Zimbabwe will also play three ODIs in Lahore.
"It is gratifying that international cricket is finally returning to Pakistan and I hope other teams also follow Zimbabwe's example and tour our country," he said.
Afridi appreciated the courage and spirit of the touring side saying they deserved kudos for undertaking the tour despite so much pressure. Afridi also spoke about the national T20 squad and insisted that Pakistan had plenty of talent.
"There is good talent in Pakistan and the selectors have announced a strong squad for this series. I don't want to interfere in work of selection committee but I have given them my suggestions. My aim is that three months before the next T20 World Cup our combination should be final and no more experimentation," he said. "
It is my ambition that I retire from all international cricket after winning the T20 World Cup in India and my aim is to prepare a strong side for that event."
Afridi also spoke about his plans to have the national T20 squad play a series of matches against regional association sides in a bid to give more exposure to young talent.
"I would also like to see Pakistan board give more attention to domestic cricket and streamline it. At the moment they are times when one week before a tournament we are told about it. We need to give more importance to our domestic cricket and its scheduling," he added