Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi speaks at a press convention on the Nationwide Financial institution Stadium in Karachi on February 20, 2025. — ICC
KARACHI: Afghanistan cricket captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has expressed confidence in his group’s skills forward of their ICC Champions Trophy match in opposition to South Africa in Karachi.
Talking at a pre-match press convention, Shahidi spoke in regards to the group’s preparation, fan help, and their aspirations for the match.
When requested in regards to the stress of going through South Africa, given their previous document of solely two wins in 5 ODIs since 2019, Shahidi remained unfazed.
“Between 2019 and now, there’s too much difference,” he stated. “We recently beat them 2-1 in Sharjah, so we have that confidence with us. We are not under pressure. Right now, we are focusing on what we can do in this tournament, and I believe our team is more ready than ever.”
Shahidi additionally dismissed considerations in regards to the group’s preparation, regardless of a loss of their warm-up match in opposition to New Zealand. “Our aim in the warm-up games was to give everyone a chance and get them used to the conditions. We were not looking for results,” he defined. “We had a camp in Dubai and are totally prepared. These conditions are suitable for us, and I am confident we can make it to the next round.”
The Afghanistan captain highlighted the overwhelming help from Afghan and Pashtun followers in Karachi, calling it a supply of motivation. “There are a lot of Afghans and Pashtuns here who support us. Yesterday, there was a big crowd chanting for Rashid [Khan] and Nabi. It feels good and gives us confidence,” he stated.
He emphasised that Afghanistan isn’t just collaborating within the match however is right here to compete and win.
“Our aim is to win the final. We are not here just to participate. We have played a lot of quality cricket over the last two years, and the boys are very experienced. These conditions suit us, and we have a good chance. Let’s start it from tomorrow and hopefully carry the momentum throughout the tournament.”
Addressing latest requires some groups to boycott matches in opposition to Afghanistan on account of political points, Shahidi remained centered on cricket. “As sportsmen, our job is to play cricket. We don’t care what’s going on outside. We only control things inside the ground. Our performance in the last three years has been very good, and we focus on what we can control,” he said.
Reflecting on Afghanistan’s journey in worldwide cricket, the captain acknowledged the group’s progress however burdened the significance of trying ahead. “We played good cricket in the last two World Cups, but that’s history now. Our aim is to improve day by day. In this Champions Trophy, we want to make it to the finals and win the trophy. That’s what we’re here for.”
He additionally expressed his need to see worldwide cricket return to Afghanistan. “We have good facilities, stadiums, and academies. Security issues have been a challenge, but hopefully, soon, a team will come to Afghanistan. The passion for cricket there is immense, and the stadiums are packed even for domestic games. I hope that day comes soon,” he stated.
