Amidst the heavy criticism, Shahid Afridi has come out in support of the underfire Pakistan cricket team led by Babar Azam after they were whitewashed by the second-string England team in the three-match ODI series on Tuesday (July 13).
Pakistan has come under harsh criticism after losing all three matches as England completed a clean sweep of the ODI series 3-0 in Birmingham on Tuesday.
In a video message shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Afridi said Pakistan fans need to support the national team and keep the players motivated and hungry for success in tough times.
He also said the Pakistan players need to back their abilities as they are best in terms of talent and ability.
Afridi said in the video posted on PCB Twitter, “We need to support the players in tough times, as a cricket fan and former player. At present, the players representing the Pakistan national team are the best we have in terms of talent and ability. These players have performed consistently in recent times, in fact, some of them have been performing for a considerable time period.”
The legendary all-rounder added, “These are our best players, they are the ones whose talent we have to utilize. We need to keep them motivated and hungry for success. We need to support the players in tough times, as a cricket fan and former player. I can accept the team losing as long as they fight it out on the field. I feel that cricket has changed a lot in recent years. Now, the attack is the best defense and there is no way to succeed other than by playing with attacking intent.”
Afridi is optimistic about that the current Pakistan team’s chances in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 since the showpiece event is taking place in the UAE where they have a great record.
He signed off by saying, “In the UAE, we have a very good record and have done very well against some top-ranked teams and that augurs well for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Spinners and batters will have a prominent role to play in the UAE conditions.”
(With PTI Inputs)
