Afridi right man to lead Pakistan, says Akram

NEW DELHI - Former captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram feels that Shahid Afridi is the right man to lead the Pakistan team in the cricket World Cup.

The Pakistan Board has made the right choice in selecting Afridi as the skipper. Despite having delayed the decision for so long, I am happy that in the end they chose the most able man for the job, Akram was quoted as saying by ESPNStar.com.

Akram said that Afridi has been leading the side for a while and is well aware of the nuances of captaincy.

“In cricket, you need one or two years to perfect the art of captaincy and this is why I think Afridi was the best option available, he said.

Akram feels the side will be able to look ahead to the World Cup with renewed confidence. He also praised 19-year-old opener Ahmed Shehzad.

Shehzad has been playing sensational cricket. I know this kid. He is a real fearless character who does not feel that much pressure. I think he is definitely one to watch out for. His idea of defence is to attack and he will be consistent and lethal on subcontinental tracks, said Akram.

Akram also pointed out that much will depend on the veteran Shoaib Akthar and Umar Gul.

Umar Gul will be the main bowler, but if Akhtar stays fit and healthy, he can still make a difference, he said.

Akram, who played a crucial role in Pakistan’s triumph in the 1992 World Cup, picked all-rounder Abdul Razzaq as the player to watch out for.

I think Razzaqs aim for the World Cup should be to end as Man of the Tournament. He is one of the best all-rounders out there and is definitely a real match-winner. He has to focus a bit on his bowling and fielding but his explosiveness with the bat, lower down the order is unmatched in world cricket. He is one of those rare people who can smash a load of runs off very few balls, changing the game in an instant, he said.