All-rounder shows faith in ODI and Test captain. lashes out at Ijaz Butt. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan stand a good chance in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, said all-rounder Shahid Afridi as he showed complete faith in Misbahul Haq’s leadership for the event that will be held in England this summer.
Despite several rebuttals, reports of rift between Test and One-Day International (ODI) captain Misbah and Twenty20 skipper Mohammad Hafeez continue to do the rounds in the cricket fraternity.
Recently, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt claimed Hafeez and coach Dav Whatmore had formed a nexus to pressurise Misbah, a statement that drew a strong denial from the two team members.
Afridi, a former captain, also denied such a rift existed, saying he found no differences among the team players.
“Misbah and Hafeez are getting along very well,” Afridi told reporters at the National Stadium on the sidelines of the President’s Trophy match between HBL and Wapda. “Both are guiding the team on the right track. We have a very good combination and Misbah is leading the team very well.
“If we stick to the plan and play according to our potential then we have a very good chance of getting the desired results in the Champions Trophy.”
Afridi also expressed his discontent on the pitches being used for the ongoing domestic tournament, saying faster tracks needed to be prepared that would help the players in training for the Champions Trophy.
Afridi assails Butt
While downplaying the existence of a rift, the all-rounder also renewed his tiff with the former PCB chief. Afridi and Butt were involved in a tussle with the cricketer announcing his retirement when the PCB chief was incharge.
“Ijaz Butt’s time is over. He should rest now and enjoy cricket. International cricket in Pakistan stopped during his tenure and the spot-fixing scandal, which rocked our cricket, also surfaced in his time.
“Zaka Ashraf is leading the board in a befitting manner and he should be supported.”
All-rounder sets sights on 2015 World Cup
Meanwhile, amid calls of sacking the seniors in the team, the all-rounder reiterated his resolve to play till he thought he was fit.
“My target is to play the 2015 World Cup. But it all depends on my form and fitness. I will never play just for the sake of being in the team and I will quit whenever I feel the time has come for me to hang up my boots — just like I did in Test cricket.”
“But currently I am fit and comfortable in the team.”
On his indecent bowling performance, which has seen the leg-spinner go six matches without claiming a single wicket, Afridi said he was working hard and was hoping for a better show in the Champions Trophy that begins on June 6.
However, the senior cricketer also demanded respect for players who have been serving the team for several years.
“Cricket is because of the players and they must be respected. If a senior player is going through a bad patch and selectors want to drop them then they should speak to the players and tell them about their plans.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 12th, 2013.
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