Shahid Afridi calls for team focus amid security concerns

Amid the security concerns and the controversial shift of the venue from Dharamsala to the Eden Gardens, Shahid Afridi called for the Pakistan team to focus. The Pakistan skipper has been at the receiving end of blatant criticism following a poor performance at the Asia Cup T20 2016.

Shahid Afridi, unlike other skippers in the tournament, took to social media handle twitter to make his feelings known. His Tweets read,” We want to leave behind the uncertainty & concerns in India we ONLY want to focus on cricket and winning. Keep supporting green team.

“We haven’t done well in recent matches.But for WorldT20 we are ready, batsmen must take responsibility& score enough for bowlers to defend1/2,” Afridi tweeted.

We haven't done well in recent matches.But for WorldT20 we r ready, batsmen must take responsibility& score enough for bowlers to defend1/2

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 11, 2016

We want to leave behind the uncertainty & concerns in India we ONLY want to focus on cricket and winning.Keep supporting green team.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 11, 2016

Pleased to anuce that @ImranKhanPTI&@wasimakramlive ve agreed 2 motivate team ahead of WT20 games.Thankful to two lgnds for their time 4Pak.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 11, 2016

Earlier in the month, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman also was very critical of the performances of the side, stating that it was extremely depressing to watch them play in that manner. Current Test match skipper Misbah-ul-Haq also has been very critical of Shahid Afridi in particular, stating that a change in philosophy must be imminent.

Pakistan’s first warm-up match against Bengal tomorrow has been cancelled due to the delay in travel clearance. However, they will play against Sri Lanka in their first and only warm-up match before the commencement of the tournament.

The security situation at the moment appears to be resolved as Pakistan will now face up to the might of India at the iconic Eden Gardens. The uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation in the tournament finally ended today after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) got government clearance to travel to India following assurances of security from the host nation.

“The team will fly out tonight for Dubai and onwards to Kolkata,” confirmed PCB chairman Najam Sethi.