Shahid Afridi willing to give PSL fresh talents opportunity to play for Pakistan

Pakistan limited-over skipper Shahid Afridi plays for Peshawar Zalmi who is currently leading in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2016

Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi is one such cricketer who does not command attention and he is one such player who leads the team from front. As Andy Flower says, ‘Afridi is that guy that other people just like to follow. At Peshawar Zalmi‘s practice session of Pakistan Super League (PSL), there is always calm and composed atmosphere with Afridi around. It reflects in the team’s position. Along with Quetta Galdiators against whom Peshawar Zalmi is all set to play, Afridi’s team has been dominant throughout the tournament. Pakistan’s limited over skipper has had his share of game apart from leading Peshawar Zalmi in PSL this year. READ: Shahid Afridi’s reputation in the media ‘misleading’, says Andy Flower

Pakistan flew to New Zealand for a quick limited-overs series before traveling straight to Dubai for PSL. The 25-year-old who will take call on his international career post ICC World Twenty20 (T20) 2016, has had selection responsibilities, media and corporate commitments to fulfill between all the back-to-back games and that takes a toll. The victory against Quetta could not have come at the right time especially when he at a decisive time of life regarding his celebratory career.

It fuels him with hope for what’s to come and his doting followers remain inspired. “I have always given importance to my individual performances,” he says. “A leader’s performance is very important and it is essential that I contribute. I believe in this part of the world, we can sometimes lack in consistency but I’m hoping to continue this through the Asia Cup and until the end of the World Cup. Sometimes, it can be difficult to pick yourselves up when you play three days in a row. It is vital for a leg spinner to put his body behind the action. But I know when I’m feeling 100 percent, I can always do the job.” READ: Shahid Afridi wants Pakistan to improve T20I performances following series loss to New Zealand

He is forever associated for his easy going attitude and calm presence, but when it comes to T20 matches Afridi expects strong performance from every team mate in the national side. “In this format, I always maintain that the team that commits the fewest errors on the day will always win,” he points out. “Consistency is an absolute must. If you are doing something well, put it in your account and build on it. If I have done well today, I can’t just hope to repeat the same tomorrow, I’ll need my body language and performance to be even better for the next game.”

“We should have gotten Quetta Gladiators inside 100, but we gave 20-30 extra runs. We have to ensure that we don’t keep making these mistakes over and over again.” Afridi has always stressed on consistency in every game and that is what he expects from his team mates in national side as well. At the moment, Pakistan T20I team does not require too many changes, but if need arises of replacement, Afridi has mentioned the changes will be called upon. Due to inconsistency, Ahmed Shehzad has been left out of the squad for Asia Cup 2016 and ICC World T20 2016. With teams having until March 8 to make changes to the squad, speculations are meant to be true that Shehzad could still find a way back. READ: Shahid Afridi abandons press conference following verbal spat with reporter

“I’ve been trying to take a team with me that doesn’t see too many changes. That way the players who are in the side are confident too,” he says. “Under my captaincy, I don’t think anyone can complain of not been given a chance or the confidence to perform. Everyone’s been given a lot of chances to do come good. I believe the captains, coach and selection committee have all very supportive. But if you don’t give the results and we are not asking for to much, just do your bit to contribute. There’s the Asia Cup now, where more players will get chances. But if there are others showing good form here, sure why not we can have them for the World T20.”

Afridi was surprised to see many new batsmen on top of ranks for breaking the record in rankings and in turn finding their way to the national team. Afridi’s Zalmi has decided to cache on players at grassroots level to be given chance to play for national side. “I was hoping to see some new batting talent emerge from this tournament,” Afridi says. ” We have found a couple of promising bowlers in the tournament and even they have been spinners. I’m all for giving more chances to players to a point where if I believe I’m holding up a place that a younger talent could use, I will gladly step aside.”

Retirement may just be around the corner but that is added motivation for him to finish off on a high. Post retirements have started but not until completing major leagues and tournaments like PSL as well as ICC World T20 2016. “A lot of times, you end up making plans and they don’t work out they way you wanted. So I’m not thinking too far ahead. For me right now, each day is beautiful and every new day brings with it new opportunities and I want to enjoy that. Yes, I want to work on the grass roots level with kids in the academy just to share my experience and motivate them. Well, I don’t really believe in coaching at the top level. But I’ll keep you informed,” he says before signing off.