I can be an opener in the New Zealand series: Afridi

One-day international and Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi said that in the absence of Kamran Akmal, he can play the role of an opener in the upcoming series with New Zealand.

Adressing the media at Ghaddafi Stadium, Afridi said that Umar Akmal will also be considered as an opener.

He stated that in the upcoming tour, New Zealand would have a home advantage but the players realized that this was an important series before the World Cup and would give it their best.

Last ambition is to win the World Cup: Afridi

Pakistan's one-day captain Shahid Afridi on Friday said that he is left with only one ambition in his cricketing career and that is to end his playing days by winning the World Cup for his country.

Afridi told the media in Lahore on Friday that he had a burning ambition to see Pakistan win the World Cup.

"Part of that ambition was fulfilled last year when we won the T20 World Cup in England but as captain I would love to end my career having led the side to the World Cup title next year in the sub-continent," he said.

Afridi pointed out that 2010 had been a very demanding year for Pakistan cricket and he wanted to see the team start off on a winning note in 2011.

"In the new year we will try to give Pakistan cricket the place it deserves," said Afridi.

The skipper also clarified that he had never said that the national team was not on the right track as far as preparations for the World Cup is concerned.

"I think I was misunderstood in what I wanted to say. I was talking about settling on a 100 per cent combination but I believe that we have already accomplished 90 per cent of the task in finalising our squad for the World Cup," Afridi said.

The flamboyant allrounder said that the upcoming tour to New Zealand would help the team prepare for the World Cup.

"I am sure that this tour will enhance the confidence of our players and that would reflect in the World Cup. Playing in difficult batting conditions in New Zealand and then on the subcontinental pitches in the World Cup will be something our players will relish."

He pointed out that both Pakistan and New Zealand are searching for victories and to hit the right form before the World Cup. And that is why the forthcoming series would be intensive and interesting.

"If we can take advantage of the pressure the Kiwis are feeling right now after being beaten by Bangladesh and India, then I am sure our players will go into the World Cup as a confident lot."

On the presence of former captain Javed Miandad in the training camp as batting consultant, Afridi said it was definitely a positive move.

"Obviously I don't think that Miandad can now change the technique of at least the senior players but his guidance is much appreciated and the tips that come from him are always very helpful," said Afridi.

"I have told the players to try and take maximum advantage of Miandad's presence in the camp."

Afridi confirmed that the ICC had recorded his, coach Waqar Younis and the team's security manager Colonel Najam's statements in connection with the spot-fixing allegations.

"What they asked us we told them. That is all," said Afridi.

Afridi positive about the future

LAHORE: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Friday said that his statements earlier about the preparation for World Cup 2011 were taken negatively by certain people.

Addressing the media at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, Afridi said that the current selection comprises the best of those available and he is quite satisfied with the squad.

Earlier the all rounder had expressed dissatisfaction over the preparation of the team for the cup as well as over the absence of senior players.

Afridi said that the team is facing certain challenges but it is trying to resolve them. He also said that he wanted to focus on his own performance and he was working towards that as well.

Regarding the upcoming New Zealand tour, Afridi said he expects good competition as the kiwis will be playing in their home grounds.

Afridi also informed that he will be opening in the Twenty20 matches from now on.

The captain said that he was grateful that former batsman Javed Miandad is helping out the team to improve its batting. He also said that he did not believe that any team could be considered as favourite for the upcoming world cup.

Afridi also said that the year 2010 has been a very hard year for Pakistan, but he is positive about the future.

"Cricket in Pakistan is in a 'mess', so is the country": Imran Khan

Pakistan cricket is facing its biggest crisis so far, and the team stands little chance of winning the 2011 World Cup without fast bowlers Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Asif, former captain Imran Khan has said.

"Cricket in Pakistan faces its biggest crisis and so does the country," the Daily Times quoted Imran, who was in New Delhi to promote the World Cup, as saying to reporters.

"Sadly, the patron of the Pakistan Cricket Board is the president (of the country) and the less I say of him, the better," the cricketer-turned-politician added.

He acknowledged that Pakistan cricket was in a "mess", as the key Pakistani bowlers- Asif and Aamir- were presently under suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) over allegations of spot-fixing in the fourth Test against England this year.

"We are in a mess. We have the talent but we want to know the verdict on Asif and Aamir. "They are arguably the best opening pair of bowlers...I have seen both Wasim Akram and Aamir, and I can tell you Aamir is ahead of what Wasim was at this age...Without those two, our bowling is not potent," said Imran, whose charismatic captaincy was crucial in securing Pakistan's only World Cup triumph in 1992.

He, however, backed Pakistan's One-day International captain Shahid Afridi to "pull off something out of the ordinary" in the mega event.

"Pakistan's ODI captain Shahid Afridi is someone, probably the only one, who can pull off something out of the ordinary. Pakistan have their back against wall," Imran said.

"Afridi is unpredictable. If he can hit a purple patch - in one-dayers you need just two quality batsmen to hit a purple patch and rest can rally around. "Pakistan are very unpredictable but it's not the best of time," he added. (ANI)

Afridi wants Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Malik in team

Pakistan limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi wishes senior players Shoaib Malik and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal were in the team for the tour of New Zealand.

The selectors have ignored Malik and Akmal for next month’s three Twenty20s and two tests against New Zealand. The squad for six one-day internationals against the Black Caps will be named later.

”They (Malik and Akmal) are requirements of the team,” Afridi said on Friday in Karachi. ”I think you (reporters) should ask the Pakistan Cricket Board and the selection committee what’s the problem in the selection of Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal.”

Malik’s exclusion from the tour has surprised because of his impressive form in the domestic first-class competition.

Malik was also not named in the match-fixing or spot-fixing controversy that marred Pakistan’s tour of England.

Three Pakistan cricketers are under suspension and four more were named in a video obtained and aired by Geo television on Tuesday, when players’ agent Mazhar Majeed fingered Akmal.

Akmal averages more than 27 in 123 ODIs since 2002, but his glovework hasn’t been as good as his batting.

Malik, who also played in the 2007 World Cup, was dropped for the recent series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates, and Afridi said it was due more to the allrounder’s poor form.

”Malik has always been good,” Afridi said. ”If he was dropped it doesn’t mean he was out of the national team forever.

”When a player stays away from international cricket for one or two series, it gives him good time to think about and realize his mistakes.”

After Pakistan lost the Twenty20 and one-day series to South Africa in the UAE, Afridi said he needed experienced players for next year’s World Cup.

”You can’t take a new team to the World Cup,” he said. ”I know there’s not much expectations from our team, but I will continue to motivate my players.”

Afridi said he wanted the pool of Pakistan’s World Cup players to be finalized as soon as possible so that he could have a fair idea about the composition of the team.

”I know it’s difficult (World Cup), but I am positive that we could do well.”