Shahid Afridi Hopes For More Cricket In Pakistan

Dynamic all-rounder Shahid Afridi sounded optimistic of international cricket returning to Pakistan permanently after the home series against Zimbabwe which begins on Thursday.

The series which features Twenty20s and One-Day Internationals makes Zimbabwe the first full-member nation to visit Pakistan since 2009.

Afridi seemed pleased with the development and hopes that Pakistan gets more opportunities to host matches in future.

The 35-year-old was all praise for the courage shown by Zimbabwe and hopes that other teams can feed off this example.

"It is gratifying that international cricket is finally returning to Pakistan,” said Afridi.

“I hope other teams also follow Zimbabwe's example and tour our country.”

Lauding the talent in his country, Afridi who leads Pakistan in T20Is hopes that his side can form a settled unit well in advance to the World Cup in India next year.

The skipper insisted that he does not want to influence the working of the selection panel but maintained that he had passed on his ideas.

"There is good talent in Pakistan and the selectors have announced a strong squad for this series.

“I don't want to interfere in work of selection committee but I have given them my suggestions.

“My aim is that three months before the next T20 World Cup our combination should be final and no more experimentation.”

Always known for his clever opinions, Afridi also urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to give more priority to domestic cricket.

Afridi believes that a strong structure in domestic cricket can help Pakistan develop better quality players in all facets of the game.

"I would also like to see Pakistan board give more attention to domestic cricket and streamline it.

“At the moment they are times when one week before a tournament we are told about it.

“We need to give more importance to our domestic cricket and its scheduling.”

Over the last one year, Pakistan have only managed to win a single T20I game out of the five matches that they have featured in. 

© Cricket World 2015