Shahid Afridi (proper) with head coach Arshad Khan and quick bowlers Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanveer throughout the pre-match coaching session at Edgbaston. — Reporter
BIRMINGHAM: Star cricketer Shahid Afridi has expressed confidence that the Pakistan Champions facet will go all the way in which this yr and carry the World Championship of Legends title, saying the workforce is set to beat the ultimate hurdle.
The second version of the competitors is scheduled to start on Friday, 18 July at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Stadium.
Pakistan Champions have a brand new captain this yr, with all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez taking on from Younis Khan, who led the workforce to the ultimate final yr.
“We have a wonderful squad again. The team combination is very strong. Last year, too, we had a good first season, but this year we are hopeful of winning the tournament. This time we have more young talent, and a new captain is leading them. Last year, Younis Khan did a great job; this year, we have Hafeez doing the honours. The aim is to have a new legendary cricketer from the past leading the Pakistan Champions squad,” Afridi mentioned.
The Pakistan Champions will face the England Champions on Friday, July 18, within the inaugural match of the second version, adopted by a high-voltage “Takra” in opposition to arch-rivals and winners of the primary version, India Champions, on Sunday, July 20 at Edgbaston.
“All the matches are important for us, but Pakistan versus India – those games always have a different vibe and excitement. I’m hopeful more fans will flock to the stadiums to watch us in action,” mentioned Afridi.
“We came here with renewed passion and motivation for victory. We’ve got a strong team, but all the other teams in the tournament are also very good. We are hoping for a better second season of the WCL.
The competition has grown since last year, and there is now a lot more fan following. The buzz is very good, and every match will be equally tough, regardless of the opponent.”
Kamil Khan believes that the inclusion of various all-rounders will show useful for the workforce’s progress in English circumstances. For a number of the youthful members of the squad, a powerful efficiency within the event may be a focus for PCB selectors and probably pave the way in which for a return to the nationwide squad.
“We have seasoned players like Imad Wasim, Asif Ali, Umar Amin, and Hafeez as our captain, accompanied by stars like Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik. Considering the conditions and fitness of the players, it’s a very balanced squad with several all-rounders.
We are also providing a platform for those players who can still represent Pakistan but, for various reasons, are not currently on the PCB’s radar – like Amir Yamin, who performed so well in the first edition too.”
Head coach Arshad Khan mentioned that many of the squad members are nonetheless enjoying aggressive cricket at varied ranges, which implies the gamers are absolutely match and in good spirits.
“We have several fresh legs in the squad this year, like Asif Ali, Hafeez, Umar Amin, and Rumman Raees, along with experienced players Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Sohaib Maqsood, and Amir Yamin.
Most of these players have recently been active in club cricket, and some have even featured in domestic cricket. Even our senior players are fully fit and in good shape. We also have some practice time before the first game, which will help us overcome any notable shortcomings.”
