Rejecting reports about infighting and factionalism within the team, newly appointed Pakistan T20 captain Shahid Afridi has expressed the hope that his squad would defend their ICC T20 World Championship title in West Indies.
Afridi, who was appointed skipper for the upcoming tournament which would commence from April 30 in the Caribbean, said there is no truth on reports of rifts among players in the team.
“A lot of people have been talking about our team lacking unity but I don’t agree with them. I’m confident that all the boys will bond well together and as captain I’ll try to get the best out of them,” Afridi said.
“The Twenty20 World Cup is a very important assignment for us. I’m confident that we will defend the title,” he added.
The flamboyant all rounder said his team has got the talent to lift the coveted trophy once again and repeat the success of 2009.
“As captain and the senior most player, it will be my responsibility to lead from the front in the West Indies,” he said.I’m also confident that my team-mates will give their best because only by a team effort can you win a major title like the World Cup,” The News quoted Afridi, as saying.
Veteran all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who was also in the running for the captaincy, backed Afridi, saying he has no ill-feelings for his skipper.
“There are no harsh feelings because I believe that Afridi is the best choice for captaincy.He has the skills to keep the boys united and get the best out of them,” Razzaq said.
