Controversies will not affect us in World Cup: Afridi

[Omar1984]

Controversies will not affect us in World Cup: Afridi ​

“I think India, Pakistan, Australia and Sri Lanka will be in the semifinals.,” Afridi said. —AFP Photo


NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricket may be in turmoil due to unending controversies but it would not affect the morale of the players and the team would still be one of the favourites in the upcoming World Cup, said skipper Shahid Afridi on Thursday.

Pakistan cricket has been rocked by a series of controversies, the latest being the spot-fixing allegations against seven top players. Three players have been suspended by the ICC and four more are under the scanner but Afridi said the team is determined to do well in the World Cup.

“I strongly believe that Pakistan will be among the top contenders. There have been many controversies recently but we will leave them behind to concentrate on World Cup. We have good batting line up and talented bowlers. All of them are confident of good show,” the flamboyant all-rounder said.

Afridi counted India as one of the strong contenders in the World Cup, to be held in sub-continent from Feb 19 next year. “I think India, Pakistan, Australia and Sri Lanka will be in the semifinals. India and Sri Lanka will face additional pressure as they will be playing on home turf,” Afridi said.

He also praised the current Indian team under Mahendra Singh Dhoni. “India is continuously playing well since Dhoni has taken over. The confidence level of the team is amazing and I think it will be an exciting contest,” said the veteran, who has scored 6371 runs in 303 ODIs for Pakistan.

Afridi said Sachin Tendulkar would be the batsman to watch in the elite ICC event. “Sachin is an extraordinary player. His hunger for runs is growing by his age. We will draw a specific strategy for Sachin and some other Indian batsmen,” he said.

Afridi also rued the fact they have lost the opportunity to play before the home fans in the prestigious tournament. “This is a huge loss for Pakistan cricket. Foreign teams are not playing here and it has definitely affected us. We cannot do anything in this matter. Thank God, we have enough international exposure prior to the World Cup.”—Agencies

 

[Hyde]

and just another day he had said that we are not ready and may not win the world cup - something like that....

come on afridi - i believe you - i trust you and willing to support you

stand up like a leader and lead from the front
i know you can do it... i know nobody in the current team can do better

Stand up and show your leadership skills

 

[Enigma]

Chances of winning the world cup goes like this. India srilanka pakistan and replace lostralia by southafrica. Its no more a winning australian team.

 

[CaptainJackSparrow]

I think India, Pakistan, Australia and Sri Lanka will be in the semifinals.,” Afridi said

Afridi thinks! Headline of the day!

 

[Paan Singh]

one day games are one man show,so any team can win n go in semis

 

[Humayuncool]

and just another day he had said that we are not ready and may not win the world cup - something like that....

come on afridi - i believe you - i trust you and willing to support you

stand up like a leader and lead from the front
i know you can do it... i know nobody in the current team can do better

Stand up and show your leadership skills

Indeed lets hope he doesn't disappoint us