LAHORE – Former captain Wasim Akram has backed Shahid Afridi to lead the side in the ICC Cricket World Cup. “Pakistan can be a dangerous team. No one can write off Pakistan’s chances in the World Cup. They have the capability of doing well, but first and foremost the captain has to be named,” said Akram.
“But they don’t have a captain with just 15 days left for the tournament. I don’t know the reasons behind the delay,” he added. Even Shahid Afridi must be under pressure. The sooner the captain is named, the better for the team,” said the former all-rounder, who was a dangerous lower order batsman. He backed swashbuckling all-rounder Afridi to lead his country in the February 19-April 2 tournament.
“I would go for Afridi, although Misbah ul-Haq is performing well as Test captain, but he’s not a magician. Afridi has been the captain for a reasonable period of time. The World Cup is too close to change a captain,” he added. “They came back well in New Zealand. It shows that Afridi has the skills. 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. I don’t know what the PCB thinks about it,” he said.
“Where do you get a captain material in the Pakistan team? If you don’t get one where will you find the second? Keep Afridi for the present,” he said. The 44-year-old cricketer-turned-commentator said though Pakistan would miss Mohammed Asif and Mohammad Amir, suspended by the International Cricket Council for their alleged involvement in match-fixing, the team still had a good bowling attack. “Both are talented and top class bowlers and wicket taking bowlers. Their absence will definitely make a difference,” he said.
“But Pakistan has made it a habit of playing well under pressure, but relaxing when not under pressure. Umar Gul is bowling well, Shoaib Akhtar is back and (Wahab) Riaz is also doing well. Pakistan’s back up is excellent,” he said. Akram, who was here for encouraging talented children associated with the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation and Pratam, a non-government organisation, said he was satisfied with the Pakistan squad. “I am happy with the 15 picked for the Cricket World Cup,” he said.
Akram, who grabbed 502 wickets in 356 ODIs and was also a member of the triumphant 1992 team led by Imran Khan, cautioned India about the pressure of playing at home. “I have been saying for a long time that India is one of the favourites. But fitness will count a lot and home pressure is slightly different,” the former cricketer said.
“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,” Akram said. “Apart from India, Australia are looking good. They have won five out of six games against England. One cannot rule out Sri Lanka and South Africa. From quarter-finals it can be anybody’s World Cup,” he added.
Akram supported the views expressed by India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and opener Gautam Gambhir that they wanted to win the Cup for Tendulkar. “The Indian team has a goal. They hope that they win the Cup for the nation, fans and the team. But Sachin is a special person. He’s done a lot for India and if the team wants to motivate him this way, then why not,” he queried.
