http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 ready to play against West Indies
Pakistan skipper, Shahid Afridi, said that he will be part of Pakistan’s squad for the tour of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760, which includes one Twenty20, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Tests.
After http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755’s 29-run defeat, media reports on Thursday revealed that the skipper was not willing to join the West Indies tour as he reported to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management that he was not mentally prepared.
Referring to the busy schedule he had been going through, including Pakistan’s tour of England, ODI series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 just before the World Cup, Afridi said that he wanted to take rest but now has decided to play against
West Indies.
Although, Afridi remained unable to clinch the World Cup for his country, he received much support from his fans and was urged to change his decision of resting for the tour of West Indies. “I’ve been receiving messages since I said that I wanted to withdraw
from the tour”, said the aggressive all rounder.
Warm-ups for the tour will start from April 18. However, the first ODI match will be played on April 21.
While talking about the upcoming tour, Boom Boom Afridi, said that Pakistan’s team has good spirit and are confident. He added that youngsters should be given opportunities to show their best in the West Indies tour.
The 31-year was appointed as the captain of the World Cup squad just a few days before the tournament started. Afridi served his team not only as a captain but also as the most successful bowler with 21 scalps, finishing with the highest tally wickets in
the tournament along with Zaheer Khan.
For his marvellous efforts, he was selected in the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2011 team of the tournament.
“It’s a great feeling to be among the best in the world. I am happy to be in the team and looking forward to continue performing for Pakistan”, said Afridi.
The 12-member squad of the recently concluded tournament was chosen by a five-member panel consisting of former South African wicket-keeper and ICC General Manager, Dave http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Richardson-c85395, ICC Elite Panel umpire Pakistani umpire, Aleem Dar, and, ICC Chief Match
Referee, Ranjan Madugalle, along with senior journalists.
Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara was appointed as captain as well as wicket-keeper of the ICC 2011 World Cup team.
Afridi has played four World Cups so far, including the 1999, 2003, 2007 editions. In 17 World Cup innings, he has claimed 28 wickets at an average of 19.60, including best bowling figures of 5/16 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kenya-c752 on 23rd February 2011.
Pakistan achieved the world title under the captaincy of Imran Khan in 1992 by defeating England in the final.
On the other hand, this is India’s second World Cup victory, as earlier they won the mega event in 1983 under the captaincy of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kapil-Dev-c70234.
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