Sports

Afridi calls for combined effort in Asia Cup

Fawad Hussain June 11, 2010

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has stressed the need for unity and said that only a combined effort can turn fortunes around for under-achieving Pakistan in the Asia Cup and a lengthy England tour.

Pakistan team will leave for Dambulla today via Dubai, with fast-bowler Mohammad Asif going via Abu Dhabi, to participate in the tournament that also features Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.

Afridi said that every player will have to perform his given role on the upcoming tours which he termed a huge test for the team.

“I’ve made it clear to every team member to play according to his role in the team,” Afridi told The Express Tribune. “Pakistan will be up against the best in the world so I want every player to fulfil his given duty.”

The all-rounder also warned his team members against any off-field antics.

“All players will stay as a unit off the field as well as it very important for team spirit.”

He added that Pakistan was a balanced side and has been boosted by the return of Shoaib Akhtar and Shoaib Malik.

“We’re a balanced team. I don’t see any reason for the team performing badly in Sri Lanka or England,” said Afridi while adding that inclusion of Asad Shafiq and Umer Amin with Umar Akmal and Malik strengthens Pakistan’s middle-order, which has been vulnerable recently.

Pakistan play India on June 19 before taking on Bangladesh on June 21.

Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed also told The Express Tribune that the team will not play any warm-up matches before the tournament.

“They don’t need a warm-up match before the Asia Cup. They’ve worked hard enough in the training camp.”

Mohammad Asif

“Conditions in Sri Lanka do not favour the fast-bowlers. But pitches sometimes offer extra bounce and seam movement. I am hoping this can help me to earn wickets.”

Mohammad Aamer

“There is no doubt that Shoaib Akhtar is a great bowler. His presence in the team gives me a chance to learn a lot more when it comes to bowling on these pitches..”

Abdul Rehman

“I have been rewarded with another opportunity to prove myself in the Asia Cup. I will try to make my place permanent with this chance and perform well and according to expectations.”

Published in the Express Tribune, June 12^th, 2010.

COMMENTS (4)

Danish Rafique | 14 years ago | Reply Pakistan is a good team, and it is a favorable time for Pakistan to win this Asia Cup. I trust they will play well with unity, and will get this trophy home, if the players just concentrate on their game instead of becoming part of conspiracies by the ridiculous and criminal minded Shoaib Malik. To put Shoaib Malik in Pakistani team is the worst mistake of PCB. He is a confirmed conspirate. But, I don't know when PCB will open its eyes. By the way, Good Luck to Pakistan. And Long Live Pakistan.. Note posted by Danish Rafique.

Hasnain Akhtar | 14 years ago | Reply *This is probably the best team structred in recent years. Sohaib Akhtar (no relations:) no doubt still a fearless and fearful bowler with many variety of bowling. Additions of Umar Amin can only be proven if Pakistan plays him. Azam should have been added. Good LUck Pakistan, we are still supportive of you. *

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hamza | 14 years ago | Reply best wishes for pakistan! Go Pakis

khalid siddiqi | 14 years ago | Reply pakistan is a good team they must win the Asian cup thats good apportunity for pak they take my best fast bowler shoiab Akhter and they have agood captain shahid Afridi. thank you.

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