kolkata: The World Twenty20 build-up has been far from ideal for Pakistan but captain Shahid Afridi today said he has always loved playing in India. Speaking to the media prior to the warm up match against Sri Lanka Afridi said that his side has not received so much love from Pakistan as they have got in India.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing in India. I’ve not enjoyed playing anywhere as much as I’ve in India. I’m in the last stage of my career and I can say that the love I’ve got in India I will always remember for the rest of my life.” “I’ve got a lot of love from here. There are cricket loving people here. It’s the same in Pakistan as well. Overall, I’ve enjoyed a lot in my cricketing career.”
Pakistan could win only two matches during last month’s Asia Cup, a debacle that came close on the heels of a limited -overs away series loss to New Zealand.
Afridi said his side has been guilty of deviating from plans and this shortcoming will have to be overcome when it takes on Bangladesh (March 16) and India (March 19) in the opening two matches here.
“We are missing that (execution of plans). But I don’t think we should live in the past. If we play to the team plan, we would do well,” Afridi said in a press conference here today.
“The first game is always very important. You take rhythm from the first match. We will try to take the rhythm from the first match. The pitch and conditions suit us. Both the matches will be very important,” he added.
Eden Gardens has been a happy hunting ground for Pakistan where they have an all-win (4-0) record against India in the ODIs and Afridi said the stat is enough to keep them in a positive frame of mind.
“We have very good memories here. We will be playing two matches here so we’re confident. Back of the mind, you see overall performances. You think about past. You take those positively. The body language will be good so it’s a plus point,” he said.
But when reminded that India has never lost to Pakistan in an ICC tournament, the Pakistani skipper was all smiles and said, “That brings negativity… We would like to keep it away.”
On a serious note he said, “India are playing very good cricket. But even can give them a tough time.”
Afridi said he would not hesitate to promote himself up the order in the batting lineup if the need arises during the tournament.
“As a captain I have given a lot of chance to youngsters.
But in a big event like this, it is the senior players who take the pressure be it myself, Shoaib Malik or Mohammed Hafeez. I will look to contribute up the order with the batting.”
After being done in by him, Rohit Sharma might have dismissed Mohammad Amir but Afridi said the rehabilitated left-arm quickie is among the world’s best.
“I don’t know what he (Sharma) has said, for me Amir is the best. The way he is going, he is among the top International bowlers.
“We have a great fast bowling lineup. If our batsmen put enough scores on board, I don’t think it will be difficult. We have two youngsters in the spin department, so it’s good. It’s been Pakistan bowling versus Indian batting for the last 60 years.”
Pakistan wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Khan admitted that they would want to break the jinx.” it’s a big match. Pressure will be on both the teams. I Hhope we will break the jinx here.”
He also revealed that MS Dhoni is his idol. “I try to learn a lot from him. I hope I will be able to finish matches like him”
Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz said that the spell against Australia didn’t matter as it was a 50 overs match. “We had to take our chances. It was a 50 overs match. Wickets in Australia are supportive.”
Shoaib Malik thinks that defeating India is not impossible.” It’s not that impossible to beat India. Media create a lot of hype for this match. It’s a great platform for the youngsters. All we need is to just go out there and give your best shot.. Whoever is coming on your way, take it as a team. This kind of commitment is needed in our team.”
Pakistan team had a practice session at the Eden Gardens in the morning. Coach Waqar Younis had a good look at the wicket before the start of practice session. Mohd Amir, Mohd Irfan and Mohd Shami practiced separately. Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in a warm up match on Monday.