ISLAMABAD - Boom Boom Afridi has decided to move Lahore with his family till next year’s World T20 Cup to avail maximum facilities and training from the world's best-equipped National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Talking to The Nation, Afridi said: “I have decided to shift to Lahore as I want to focus totally on the next year’s T20 World Cup. It will not only provide me best chance of practicing at NCA but also help me in remaining in close contact with selectors and checking fresh players, who can play pivotal role in helping Pakistan cricket team win the World T20 Cup for the second time in our history.”
Afridi said: “I am quite satisfied with the youngsters’ performance in Zimbabwe during the two T20 series. Yes, batting let us a bit down, but no worries, I know, we have the depth and quality and the batsmen will bounce back in style. The good thing was that we managed to clean sweep in T20 internationals, wickets were not easy to bat on, but our bowlers did a fantastic job of defending very small totals.”
When asked about his own form and whether he is bothered or concerned and why he opted to bat low down the order, Afridi replied: “Yes, it is true that I have lost my touch and a bit out of form, but no need of panic. I know form is temporary and class is permanent. I always put country way ahead of my personal ambitions and shifting to Lahore was the main reason that how much I take my cricket seriously. It will also help my foundation through which I want to help Pakistanis in the best possible manner. I want to give maximum opportunities to the youngsters. I batted down the order, where situation was not ideal to bat as hardly handful of deliveries were left. When I have to bat, I will bat up the order. I am quite sure, soon I will regain my lost touch and start producing wonders with both bat and ball.”
“We have five months or so left before the mega event starts from March next year in India. We will be able to assemble winning combination well before time. I will spend more time in the nets and work mainly on my batting. Zimbabwe series was a perfect platform for the youngsters to get international exposure and I am quite satisfied with the way they responded. We gave chance to Imran Khan Junior, while Imad Wasim was also at the top of his game and played key role in helping the country in winning both the matches.
“The batsmen although disappointed a little bit, yet we will overcome this. Our top order has mainly senior players, who are in the team for a longer period and they should have batted more sensibly. The top order didn't score enough runs which was the main reason behind we posted relatively low totals. But it was great to see low middle order and especially bowlers performed exceptionally and defended the totals relatively with ease. Our fielding was quite up to the mark and overall ground fielding and catching was quite good. We will further work with coaches to ensure minor flaws to be overcome before the World T20 Cup,” he added.
“It is my promise to the entire nation that I will do my best and ensure not to let down my fans and try to come up to their huge expectations. I will work harder and return in style and help the country win the glittering T20 trophy,” Afridi concluded.