I’ll always be ready to lead Pakistan: Afridi

DETERMINED: Despite being criticised for his post-Twenty20 World Cup comments, Shahid Afridi believes he can still captain the national squad. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: Speaking in a media talk at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan star all-rounder Shahid Afridi has once again revealed his desire to lead the national team.

Afridi had made similar remarks after the World Twenty20 debacle and was criticised for it.  Consequentially, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had served him with a show-cause notice.

The 34-year-old reiterated his stance when asked at the ongoing training camp whether he would like to lead the team again.

"Honestly speaking, I wish to lead Pakistan. It's something that I would always be ready for," he said.

Meanwhile, reflecting on the aspect of working with head coach Waqar Younis – with whom Afridi had serious reservations in the past when he was captain – the former skipper stressed that people must forget the past, otherwise things will not work out in future.

He further said that he has learnt from his past mistakes and is hopeful that Waqar has also learnt his lessons from the mistake he committed as coach when he was in charge.

I may quit ODIs after 2015: Afridi

The 34-year-old was asked about his future plans regarding his career and he explained that the 2015 one-day World Cup, which will held in Australia and New Zealand, is really important for all senior cricketers of Pakistan as the tournament will likely decide how their future will shape.

"Personally I want to concentrate till the World Cup and from there on I will review my fitness," he said. "May be I will quit playing one-dayers to concentrate more on T20 cricket in order to prolong my career."

He further emphasised that the PCB must try and build good cricketing facilities in every region, just like it has done with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, so that it is accessible for regional players to improve their fitness.

Regarding PCB Chairman Najam Sethi's remarks on fining players who do not match required fitness levels, Afridi responded by saying that he is in favour of the move but the PCB should also give more thought to offering better contracts to deserved players.

"The PCB should give an 'A plus' contract rather than just an 'A' contract to players who are giving outstanding performances," he added. "If someone, including me, is not doing well, he should receive only a lower level contract."

The outspoken Afridi also went onto state that India must make efforts to improve relations between them and Pakistan, so that the fans of both nations can see cricket being played between the two. In his view, the Pakistan board has been doing its bit but India should also endeavour for better relations.