Afridi will play in Lahore despite dengue fears

Former captain eager to participate to avoid ‘rustiness’.

KARACHI: Despite concerns shown by Karachi’s regional association, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has confirmed his participation in the season-opening Twenty20 event in Lahore despite the spread of dengue in the city.

The all-rounder, who will lead Karachi Dolphins, is looking ahead to the event where some participating teams have expressed concerns over the deadly virus that has claimed over 25 lives in Lahore.

The Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA) called for a venue-shift, arguing that players were concerned about their safety. The Afghanistan Cricket Board, which will be sending a team from the country, also voiced their concern over the state of the city. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, rejected all concerns, saying precautionary measures have been taken and the event will go as planned from September 25.

Afridi, though, is keen to return to action.

“I will take part in the tournament,” the experienced all-rounder confirmed to The Express Tribune. “I am focusing on a good show for my team in order to achieve best results. I want to play cricket as much as I can to avoid rustiness. It will be a good tournament and I am not going to miss this opportunity.”

Fans can expect fireworks

The all-rounder has not played international cricket since the tour of West Indies where he developed differences with the coach and his subsequent outburst forced the board to strip him of captaincy.

Afridi retired from international cricket following that. He did represent Hampshire in the recently-concluded Friends Life T20 and hit an explosive knock of 80 off just 42 balls in his last innings at the event. Afridi said he was aiming for more such innings in the upcoming tournament.

“I am focusing on my batting also apart from bowling,” he said. “I will try to go fully prepared to shine as an all-rounder. My last innings has given me confidence and hopefully I will carry the form in the tournament.”

Return to international cricket?

However, Afridi refused an immediate return to international cricket.

“I just want to play cricket at the moment and will return when the time comes,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 17^th,  2011.