LAHORE – Pakistan Captain Shaheen Afridi has unveiled his plans for the future, announcing the selection of 16 out of 20 players for the 2024 T20 World Cup following the conclusion of the series against New Zealand.
Despite clinching a victory in the final T20 match against Pakistan Black Caps with a 42-run lead, Afridi acknowledged the team’s resilience throughout the challenging series. The seasoned spinner, Iftikhar Ahmed, earned praise from Afridi, who emphasized the team’s preparedness for the upcoming World Cup, solidifying the squad for the event set to kick off in June.
Expressing gratitude for overwhelming support, Afridi underscored the significance of today’s game and the collective effort of the team. He recognized the pivotal role played by youngsters in the series, aiming to bolster their confidence for the upcoming home series.
Afridi acknowledged the difficulty of competing at this level and expressed confidence in Pakistan’s commitment to the World Cup, ensuring a thorough evaluation of each player and providing opportunities to emerging talents.
Drawing on the example of Hasibullah, Afridi elaborated on the strategy of experimenting with various player combinations during the series, intending to build confidence for the upcoming home series.
He commended two promising players, Abbas Afridi and Saifullah, for their commendable fielding and batting performances, deeming them invaluable assets for Pakistan’s cricket.
Captain Shaheen Afridi expressed gratitude for the support, emphasized the significance of today’s match, and underscored the team’s focus on the upcoming T20 World Cup, showcasing a blend of experienced and young players.