One on one with 'Boom Boom Afridi'

As Pakistan start their World Cup campaign against Kenya and will be led on the field by captain Shahid Afridi NDTV's Rica Roy caught up with him in an exclusive interview

Q1: You had said that it is a formality for Pakistan to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup. On what basis do you think so?

Shahid Afridi: Given what the Pakistan team was going through, we have worked hard to build character. We've worked hard with the boys and are now capable of reaching the semi-finals. As a captain, that is my aspiration.

Q2: Many people are saying that Pakistan is also a favourite for the World Cup because it is being held in the sub-continent. Would you agree?

Shahid Afridi: Asian teams are favourites in the World Cup. India & Sri Lanka have been in good form of late. Yes, I think if any team wins the World Cup, it will be one from the sub-continent.

Q3: Pakistan has never defeated India in a 50-over ICC World Cup. Will that play in your mind when you take the field against India?

Shahid Afridi: Every event is different and while it is true that we have not beaten India, times change, seasons change...!

Q4: This time though, India and Pakistan are not slated to meet till the knock-out stages. Do you think the schedule should have been such that the two teams should have met in the group stages, lest either of them gets knocked out early?

Shahid Afridi: Everyone would have wanted an India-Pakistan encounter in the group stages but the schedule drawn up is as per what the International Cricket Council (ICC) deemed fit.  But we should hope for a meeting in the semi-final or final!