England ODIs, T20s a challenging task for me: Afridi

KARACHI: Following an abrupt retirement from Test cricket in his first match back after four years, Pakistan’s ODI and Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi set off for England, this time confident of a good show against the hosts in conditions still tough for him and his team.

But the captain agreed that the limited-overs team was better than the Test squad, given the lack of technique and temperament.

“We have a better side for ODIs and T20s than we have in the longer version as our players lack much-needed patience for the Tests,” Afridi told The Express Tribune. “It would be a challenging series for me as captain as well since things won’t be that easy against England. They are a balanced side and at home they are very tough because they exploit their conditions very well.”

Afridi will be leaving for England tonight, well ahead of his teammates with the final phase of the tour - back-to-back Twenty20s and five ODIs - not starting until September 5, as he seeks to generate funds for the flood victims.

Pool of players sought before the World Cup

Meanwhile, Afridi has asked the selection committee and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to prepare a list of players for the World Cup that will start in February next year.

“I’ve asked the board to select a pool of around 25 players for the event. There’s little time left in the World Cup and the list should be prepared early because it would help us in finalising our best players for tournament,” he said before adding that the list should be finalised before the series against South Africa in October.

Akhtar’s selection defended

Shoaib Akhtar may be in the twilight of his career, but the 35-year old pacer is still an asset for the captain who feels the fast bowler can still win matches for his team. “He’s an asset for the team. The opposition feels his pressure because he has the ability to win us matches. I won’t over-bowl him and use him for short spells.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2010.