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Pakistan confirm Afridi as captain

Pakistan announced the 15-man squad on January 18, but held back the appointment of skipper that resulted in lots of criticisms, especially from former legends Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad and even millions of cricket crazy Pakistanis who termed the delay having a negative impact as well as the morale of the players.

The other candidate was the present Pakistan Test team skipper, Misbahul Haq, currently in the peak of his chequered career’s batting form and also led the team to Test series win against New Zealand. He was named as Afridi’s deputy for the World Cup to be jointly hosted by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka starting from February 19.

Afridi, currently leading Pakistan against Kiwis, finally got the nod of PCB president Ejaz Butt after Afridi led the team to a one-day series victory in New Zealand after a gap of 17 years.

An elated Afridi told Khaleej Times that it was honour to lead Pakistan in the game’s greatest event, but added that it would not be an issue if he was removed as captain.

“It would not be a personal issue for me if I’m removed as captain as I am always willing to play under any captain as long as I am picked by the selector.”

“It doesn’t make a difference whether Misbah leads the team or I captain the side because we both are playing for Pakistan that in itself is an honour,” he added. Afridi had also described reports of differences with Misbah as rubbish and a figment of imagination. “We don’t have any differences. He is a good player, a team man who remains focused on his job as a player or skipper of national team”.

Former skippers Intikhab Alam and Waqar Younis have been retained as manager and coach respectively.

The Pakistan squad is scheduled to leave for Bangladesh later next week to play a couple of friendly matches before departing for Sri Lanka where they will be playing all their group matches.