Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi made a bold claim amid the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and West Indies.
While speaking on the PCB Podcast on Tuesday, Afridi backed Pakistan, who are sixth in the ICC T20I Rankings, to qualify for the final of the World Cup.
It must be noted that Pakistan recently suffered defeat in a T20I against Ireland while also losing the four-match series against England 2-0.
“The conditions in the West Indies and USA will suit our players. Our spinners and fast bowlers are good and the batters are also in outstanding form,” Afridi said.
“Another important thing that will win Pakistan matches will be their fielding as they should avail every available opportunity.
“The entire team should support Babar, especially the seniors, and the captain should be fearless while taking decisions.
“I’m confident that Pakistan can play final of the World Cup.”
Afridi was earlier named as the ambassador for the T20 World Cup 2024 by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Afridi was part of Pakistan team which won the T20 World Cup title in 2009 while also playing a key role in their run to the final in 2007.
“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart,” said Afridi. “From being Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition to lifting the trophy in 2009, some of my favourite career highlights have come from competing on this stage.
“T20 World Cups have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and I’m thrilled to be part of this edition, where we will see more teams, more matches and even more drama than ever before.
“I am particularly excited to witness the India v Pakistan fixture on 9 June. It is one of the great rivalries in sport and New York will be a fitting stage for this unmissable encounter between two great teams.”
Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad
Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
Pakistan's T20 World Cup schedule
June 6: Pakistan vs USA, Dallas
June 9: Pakistan vs India, New York
June 11: Pakistan vs Canada, New York
June 16: Pakistan vs Ireland, Lauderhill
- Shahid Afridi
