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I Want to Enjoy Every Moment, Says Afridi

DUBAI — Pakistan’s flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi is ready to play a key role in the coming Twenty20 World, which will be played in West Indies from April 30 to May 16.

Afridi, who helped Pakistan win the 2009 Twenty20 World Championship with some sensational performances, was here in Dubai to represent Fly Emirates in the Emirates Twenty20 tournament at Sevens.

In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Afridi spoke freely about the team and other cricketing developments in his country. “The appointment of Ejaz Ahmed as fielding and batting coach could make a huge difference,” the all-rounder remarked.

“During Pakistan’s previous tour to UAE, the former batsman from Sialkot held some sessions with the team in Abu Dhabi and his commitment and hard-work can bring a much-needed change in the attitude of the team.”

Afridi’s record as Twenty20 captain is impressive. In five outings he has led his team to four victories and the only loss came against Australia.

But Afridi says he just wants to help the team perform better. “I’m ready to serve my country in any capacity. Legendary players like Imran Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Sarfraz Nawaz, Abdul Qadir, Inzamamul Haq and Ramiz Raja have urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to appoint me as captain.

“It is up to the PCB, but I am ready to play under any captain.

“I always try to back the bowlers and cheer the fielders and people think that I am after the captaincy. That’s not the case. I just want to play the game in a lively manner. I want to enjoy every moment I spend in the ground.”

Afridi, who scored the fastest one-day century on his debut against Sri Lanka in 1996, said: “Pakistan has a bunch of talented cricketers but they need a guide who can lead them and show them the way.

“They need a better captain who can extract the best out of them by backing them. To captain Pakistan is not a difficult job in my opinion.”

The man, who is known as ‘Boom Boom Afridi’, is in favour of having separate teams for Tests and T20s. “This will be good for Pakistan cricket to have two separate teams for Tests and T20s.

“Many countries are following the this pattern successfully. It will allow the players to get used to one style. Boards all over the world are being criticised for organising too much cricket and separate outfits will be helpful in avoiding burn-outs.”