Pakistani cricket sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi has quashed any concerns regarding unity within the national team as they gear up for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup. In a recent statement during a Pakistan Cricket Board podcast, Afridi assured fans and critics alike that the team is fully focused on clinching victory in the prestigious tournament next month.
Afridi’s reassurance comes amidst a backdrop of leadership changes and speculation about team cohesion. After Babar Azam stepped down from the T20I captaincy due to Pakistan’s disappointing performance in last year’s Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, Afridi briefly assumed the role. However, his tenure ended following Pakistan’s defeat in the T20I series against New Zealand.
Despite the leadership transition sparking debate and raising questions about team solidarity, Afridi emphasized that any minor disagreements were natural within a close-knit group like the national cricket team. He likened these disagreements to those that might occur in any family but stressed that there were no significant rifts within the squad.
According to Afridi, the team’s singular focus is on unity and collective effort towards achieving their common goal of T20 World Cup success. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to come together and perform at their best when it matters most.
Addressing concerns about his own fitness, Afridi confirmed that he had fully recovered from his injury sustained last year. He emphasized the team’s responsibility to bring joy to the nation through their performances on the field, highlighting their determination to deliver success in the upcoming tournament.
Afridi concluded with a smile, expressing the team’s eagerness to translate their efforts into tangible victory, stating, “We are also tired of telling people that we will win the World Cup. But God willing, this time we will make this happen.”