Pakistan limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi has marked territory for the team management as the all-rounder returned to Karachi yesterday from the West Indies tour.
Afridi, who confirmed there were conflicts on selection of the playing-eleven during the tour, was involved in a tussle with coach Waqar Younis and said that there was interference on part of the team management.
“There are some issues,” Afridi told reporters at the Karachi Airport while playing down the intensity of the matter. “But they aren’t serious enough to be unsolvable.”
According to reports that emerged soon after the conclusion of the One-Day International (ODI) series, Afridi and Waqar had different opinions on selection matters. With things getting out of hand on the tour, the captain even refused to take part in the final two ODIs and had to be convinced by team manager Intikhab Alam to take part.
However, Afridi, without pointing out any individual, was clear in his words.
“I always say everyone should do their own job and it is not appropriate to interfere in matters of others.
“I am responsible for my work and the others are responsible for theirs,” said Afridi, who will meet the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt to reveal further details.
‘Last ODI loss ruined overall performance’
Meanwhile, the all-rounder lamented the ten-wicket loss against the hosts in the final ODI, a result that made the series result 3-2 in favour of Pakistan.
“Our performance in the last ODI was disappointing. We performed well in the series but the last match ruined it.”
‘Batting coach a must’
Afridi, who made 28 runs in three innings of the ODI series, added that a batting consultant was a necessary requirement of the team.
“We are winning mostly because of our bowling performance and our batting has become a constant concern. We need a batting coach to help us.”
‘Poor performance due to fatigue’
The 31-year-old lauded the show of the young brigade and added that continued hard work would carry them forward.
He cited tiredness as the reason behind his own poor show where the leg-spinner could only bag two wickets in five ODIs and a batting average of less than 10.
“I was really tired and wanted to rest because of which I failed to give my best.
“I only agreed to play the series after being convinced by my family and friends.”
Backs Misbah
The Twenty20 and ODI captain also backed Pakistan to win the two-match Test series under the leadership of Misbahul Haq.
“I am confident the team will perform well under him who is in good form. He is a good captain and I wish him all the best.”
The first Test starts on May 12 in Guyana after the visitors play a two-day warm-up from May 8.
Younus to miss WI Tests
NEWS DESK. Younus Khan will miss the Test series against the West Indies as he returns home due to the death of his elder brother Shamshad Khan. Four years ago, Younus had to leave the team while Pakistan were playing England due to the death of his other brother
in the Ukraine.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 9th, 2011.
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