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Afridi Should Lead The Team: Wasim Akram
MUMBAI, Feb 3: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram on Thursday backed Shahid Afridi to lead the side in the World Cup and hit out at the Cricket Board (PCB) for delaying the appointment and creating an unwanted controversy over captaincy.
Wasim said Pakistan has the potential to do well in the mega event but the players needed to know who will be their leader.
“Pakistan can be a dangerous team. No one can write off Pakistan`s chances in the World Cup because they have the capability to do well. But first and foremost the captain has to be named,” said Wasim who is rated among the finest left-arm pace bowlers in the history of the game.
“I would go for Afridi, although Misbah is performing well but he`s not so charismatic when it comes to leadership. Afridi has been the captain for a reasonable period of time and it would be unwise to change a captain this close to the World Cup,” said Wasim.
“Pakistan came back well in New Zealand. It shows that Afridi has the skill. Last year he was the highest wicket taker and also one of the top run-getters for Pakistan. In my opinion, Afridi should be named Pakistan`s captain but I don`t know what the PCB thinks about it,” he added.
“I have the experience of playing two World Cups in Pakistan and India. So I know what pressure can be. Sachin (Tendulkar) will tell you what pressure is all about when playing at home,” Wasim said. “Apart from India, Australia is also looking good now. One cannot rule out Sri Lanka and South Africa either. I think from quarterfinals it can be anybody`s World Cup,” he said. —Agencies
Wasim said Pakistan has the potential to do well in the mega event but the players needed to know who will be their leader.
“Pakistan can be a dangerous team. No one can write off Pakistan`s chances in the World Cup because they have the capability to do well. But first and foremost the captain has to be named,” said Wasim who is rated among the finest left-arm pace bowlers in the history of the game.
“I would go for Afridi, although Misbah is performing well but he`s not so charismatic when it comes to leadership. Afridi has been the captain for a reasonable period of time and it would be unwise to change a captain this close to the World Cup,” said Wasim.
“Pakistan came back well in New Zealand. It shows that Afridi has the skill. Last year he was the highest wicket taker and also one of the top run-getters for Pakistan. In my opinion, Afridi should be named Pakistan`s captain but I don`t know what the PCB thinks about it,” he added.
“I have the experience of playing two World Cups in Pakistan and India. So I know what pressure can be. Sachin (Tendulkar) will tell you what pressure is all about when playing at home,” Wasim said. “Apart from India, Australia is also looking good now. One cannot rule out Sri Lanka and South Africa either. I think from quarterfinals it can be anybody`s World Cup,” he said. —Agencies
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