Afridi urges senior Pak players to deliver in World Cup 2011
By ANISunday, February 20, 2011
KARACHI - Pakistan limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi has urged the experienced players in the national squad to shoulder the burden of responsibility at the 2011 World Cup, following a disappointing defeat in their final warm-up match.
England defeated Pakistan in Friday’s match by 67 runs, however, Afridi insisted that bouncing back was nothing new for his side.
“This is not the first time we are saying sorry for our performance,” the Daily Times quoted the Pak skipper, as saying.
“All of us as a team now have to perform and give our best in the World Cup. The senior players including myself have a very important role to play in this World Cup. We must show the way to the youngsters who are playing in the tournament for the first time,” he added.
Afridi, who was one of the stars of Pakistan’s 2009 World Twenty20 triumph in England, stressed there was no question of Pakistan holding back key players for their tournament opener against Kenya in their World Cup opener on Wednesday.
“What is clear is that everyone has to now perform and play responsibly if the team is to do well in this World Cup. There is no time now to experiment,” he said.
“It is a good sign that the players are concentrating hard on the tournament and everyone wants to do well. It is important for us to make an early impact in this competition and get the momentum going,” he added.
The World Cup is being jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from February 19 to April 2. (ANI)
