When the Pakistan team trooped out for their final practice session at the Eden Gardens on Tuesday morning, ahead of their World T20 opener against Bangladesh, skipper Shahid Afridi was conspicuous by absence, particularly so after his harmless “Indian fans love me more here” comment on Monday.
According to coach Waqar Younis, the all-rounder was indisposed. “We’ll see how he is as the day goes.”
Meanwhile, the 36-year-old Afridi was forced to give a voice message saying he had not talked anything wrong and ill about his country. He said his team had come to enjoy playing in India.
He was forthright by saying his remarks should be taken more positively and he always wanted to play for Pakistan. He further added relations between India and Pakistan have improved through cricket. He felt one should not think negatively, and should instead talk positively. He pointed out that even Waqar and Wasim Akram vouched that Pakistan cricketers enjoy the game here.
But the drama refuses to die down, and mediamen wanted clarification from coach Waqar, who came to address the pre-match conference instead of the skipper.
Asked whether there was anything wrong with Afridi’s statement, the former pacer answered, “I didn’t find anything controversial. This is something he felt; it was his emotions. I believe we should leave it at that, rather than talking about it and making a controversy out of nothing. We’re here to play cricket, to beat teams, and to play positive cricket. We should focus on cricket.”
In fact, on another question regarding controversies dogging the team before and after arrival in India, Waqar agreed that the team had a bit of drama before coming here. “There was some controversy yesterday (Monday) also. My message to the boys will be to leave everything behind because this is about playing for the nation, and playing quality cricket, which they are capable of. We’re the kind of team that can surprise a lot of people once we click and get momentum going,” he said.
The 44-year-old added he was not worried by Afridi’s poor form with the bat. “In Twenty20 cricket, one good innings is what is needed. We’re hoping that Shahid is just one match away from hitting form.”
Matchbox
Pakistan vs Bangladesh
Pros and cons: Pakistan will have a lot to prove after their disastrous Asia Cup outing. They will bank on the batting form of Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal while Mohammad Amir will be tasked with keeping the Bangladesh top-order in check. Tamim Iqbal is in red hot form with the bat, notching up scores of 83* and 103* in the qualifiers. Shakib Al Hasan will be key as he knows the conditions well having played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
Pitch & conditions: The Eden Gardens pitch is likely to assist spinners with moderate bounce on offer. The weather forecast is good with no rain expected. Temperature likely to be between 21 and 34 degree celsius.
Likely XI: Pakistan: Shehzad, Sharjeel, Hafeez, Sarfraz (wk), Umar, Malik, Afridi (C), Anwar, Sami, Amir, Irfan. Bangladesh: Sarkar, Tamim, Sabbir, Rahim (wk), Shakib, Mahmudullah, Mortaza (c), Mithun, Taskin, Sunny, Al-Amin.
Odds: Pakistan: 8/13. Bangladesh: 5/4.