Series with India looks bleak

Shahid Afridi at the HKSZ.TV & Group of Companies Stars v Stars T20 beach cricket tournament in Dubai on Saturday. - Photo by Leslie Pablo

Dashing allrounder, Shahid Afridi, considered a spearhead of Pakistan's ambitions for the T20 World Cup in India next year, reckons India holds the key to the delayed decision-making process in the normalisation of cricketing ties between the countries.
Here in Dubai for another one of his whistle-stop engagements, this time a one-off all-stars T20 beach cricket tournament on matting wicket on Saturday night, Afridi was his usual friendly and straight talking self.
India he says has all the answers towards solving the misunderstandings, and he feels strongly that cricket will be missing a lot when it comes to the future generations if regular India-Pak series go missing year after year.
"Now I honestly think a series taking place in the near future looks bleak. India must come back after we (Pakistan) made our stand clear during and after the various negotiations and meetings. The sport will be missing a lot especially for the youngsters to grow up in the atmosphere an India-Pak series can generate.
"We are still waiting for a response from the Indian side and we have been very patient and understanding trying to be aware of the problems and issues that crop up on a subject like this, either side of the border," he continued.
The Pakistan team are still in the process of the pruning down their squad for the T20 World Cup which the star leg spinner cum explosive batsman is to play a major role in, especially in his now specialised role in the national squad as a T20 captain.
"We are having a camp starting on December 20 in Lahore for the series in New Zealand where we have to get down to the finalisation, and moulding of the side.
"The trip to New Zealand will be short but will be of a big test especially during the three T20s we are scheduled to play. This will be a great opportunity for us as the Kiwis after their Sri Lanka engagements will be fully tournament fit when our matches begin."
After the T20 World Cup in 2016, Afridi who wants to spend full time with SAF (Shahid Afridi Foundation) which helps and creates platforms for social causes, told Khaleej Times: "Easy to say quitting but it is a lot harder to commit to one thing. Coaching, yes maybe to whoever wants guidance. Commentary, well this is out of the question. This leaves me to commit now fully into the work already being done by SAF."
Regarding the Pakistan Super League (PSL) which has got over solving the various logistical and other administrative issues, he said: "I am very appreciative of what the Pakistan Cricket Board has achieved and I am even more pleased that all the players of the Pakistan team and the domestic players have come out in full support for the tournament here."
"This event is going to be a big success and I think the financial and administrative aspects are only going to improve and grow from here for Pakistan cricket," he added, "The smooth coordination between the franchises and their efforts to get the whole thing moving forward has taken a lot hard work over a period of time."
Afridi along with other former cricket and Bollywood stars were in Dubai for the HKSZ.TV & Group of Companies' Stars v Stars first ever beach cricket opposite the Umm Suqeim Park, late on Saturday night.
moni@khaleejtimes.com