KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain and star all-rounder Shahid Afridi expressed his confidence in the current national team’s ability to beat any team in the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 in India.
Shahid Afridi, while speaking to the media after the MoU signing ceremony of Sindh Premier League (SPL)’s franchise Benazirabad Lals, praised the Babar Azam-led side’s current form and claimed that they can beat any team.
“Pakistan team is in good form. They are strong in every department and they have the ability to beat any team,” said Afridi.
Meanwhile, Pakistan players have a rigorous task of dealing with a packed before heading into the World Cup.
The national team are currently in Sri Lanka for a two-match series and will return home for the initial fixtures of the Asia Cup at home before travelling back to the Island for the continental event.
Consequently, Shahid Afridi thinks it will be crucial for the players to retain their fitness for the World Cup.
“They have to play continuous cricket for which they’ll have to maintain their fitness. There will be a lot of cricket with Test series, Asia Cup and World Cup,” said Afridi.
Shahid Afridi further called for the need of preparing two teams in a bid to get back up if the national team loses the services of any first-choice player due to injury.
“If the main bowlers are not in the team, who will be their backup? Therefore, I’ve been saying for a long period of time that we should focus on building two teams,” Afridi said.
“Our bench strength should be strong. Pakistan team should run even without Babar and Shaheen,” he reiterated.
It is pertinent to mention that Shahid Afridi will participate in the inaugural edition of the Sindh Premier League, scheduled to commence on September 19.
The star all-rounder will lead Benazirabad Lals while another veteran Shoaib Malik will lead Hyderabad Bahadurs.
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