Afridi positive about the future

Afridi says his statements earlier about the preparation for World Cup 2011 were taken negatively by certain people.

LAHORE: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Friday said that his statements earlier about the preparation for World Cup 2011 were taken negatively by certain people.

Addressing the media at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, Afridi said that the current selection comprises the best of those available and he is quite satisfied with the squad.

Earlier the all rounder had expressed dissatisfaction over the preparation of the team for the cup as well as over the absence of senior players.

Afridi said that the team is facing certain challenges but it is trying to resolve them. He also said that he wanted to focus on his own performance and he was working towards that as well.

Regarding the upcoming New Zealand tour, Afridi said he expects good competition as the kiwis will be playing in their home grounds.

Afridi also informed that he will be opening in the Twenty20 matches from now on.

The captain said that he was grateful that former batsman Javed Miandad is helping out the team to improve its batting. He also said that he did not believe that any team could be considered as favourite for the upcoming world cup.

Afridi also said that the year 2010 has been a very hard year for Pakistan, but he is positive about the future.