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Captaincy a big responsibility, says Afridi

By Tariq Saeed

DAMBULLA: Pakistan’s newly appointed Twenty20 captain Shahid Khan Afridi has said that leading the country is a ‘very big responsibility’ and he will handle the affairs of the team in his own way and style. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed 29-year-old Afridi captain of the Pakistan team for one Twenty20 international after Younis Khan refused to reconsider his decision of retirement from the shortest version of the game.

Talking to Daily Times at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium here Wednesday, the flamboyant all-rounder, who has been appointed captain of the national outfit for the very first time, said that playing for the country was a big honour and leading a big responsibility. “I will try to come up to the expectations of PCB chairman Ijaz Butt who has picked me as captain,” he added.

Afridi, who played an important role in Pakistan’s victory in the Twenty20 World Cup last month, said he wanted to perform like the way he performed in England. In 1996, as a 16-year-old leg-spinner, Afridi surprised everyone but himself by pinch-hitting the fastest one-day hundred in his maiden innings. Afridi warned his team-mates that he would like to lead the team with both love and strictness. “My team-mates know my body language. And those who deserve love and respect, I will treat them in that way but others will be handled differently,” he maintained. Afridi said captaining Pakistan was not an easy thing as players from different cities and background were in the squad. “But I’ll try my level best to give my best for my team and nation.” To a question, Afridi said he would definitely consult his senior team colleagues on important issues but at the end of the day decisions would be his own.

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