Pakistan’s Twenty20 International captain, Shahid Afridi, has not ruled out making some changes in the national squad for the World T20, which begins in India next month. Although the national selectors have announced a 15-member squad for the Asia Cup and the World T20 but Afridi said the selectors and team management will closely watch performances in the Asia Cup to be held in Bangladesh from February 24.
“I hope that we don’t need to make changes in the squad and it plays in both events but if any player(s) fails to click in the Asia Cup than there can be changes made in the side for the World Cup,” Afridi said.
The International Cricket Council has set March 8 as a deadline for those teams who have qualified for the super round to make last minute changes in their selected squads.
“If they are players who impress everyone in the Pakistan Super League they can be considered for the World T20.”
Afridi also minced no words in stating that he was disappointed with performances of some players in recent times under his captaincy.
“Myself, the team management and selectors gave full confidence and support to every player but unfortunately what we are looking at the same response was not forthcoming from players,” he stated.
Pakistani selectors have picked five players in their Asia Cup and World T20 squad who have yet to play T20 Internationals. The selectors have also axed experienced opener Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Rizwan, Sohaib Maqsood and Umar Gul for the two events. Afridi said he can say for sure that in his captaincy every player who was in the team got full chances to show his performances.
“I don’t believe in dropping someone after just one or two matches. And I can say this clearly every player who played in the team got full support and confidence from me, the coach and selectors.”
“Unfortunately our players lack consistency. I am hoping that if the Pakistan Super League is held regularly for the two to three years than new talent will emerge and also get a chance to polish itself playing in front of crowds in the PSL,” he said.
“Back home in domestic cricket no one comes to watch matches and there is no real pressure on the players to do well. To me the PSL can serve as the platform where players can develop their confidence and learn to play under pressure.”
He said if any senior player felt it was time to go and there was talent to replace him he should retire.
“If there is some capable talent who can replace me I am ready to say goodbye and leave room for him in the team,” Afridi said.
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