Afridi wants to hang up his boots on a 2011 World Cup high

KARACHI - Pakistan’s one-day captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his desire to end his career on a high after having led his side to the 2011 World Cup title.

Talking to media persons, Afridi said 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 Twenty20 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,” the Daily Times quoted him, as saying.

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,” he said.

He 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 were concerned. “I think I was misunderstood in what I wanted to say. I was talking about settling on a 100 percent combination but I believe that we have already accomplished 90 percent of the task in finalising our squad for the World Cup,” he explained.

The skipper 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.”

Afridi pointed out that both Pakistan and New Zealand would be looking to win the upcoming series, in order to hit the right form before the World Cup. “And that is why the forthcoming series will 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,” he added.

On the presence of former Pakistan great Javed Miandad in the training camp as batting consultant, the all-rounder said that the former captain’s guidance would be “much appreciated”.

“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. (ANI)