"We are your team, not a gully cricket team" - Shaheen Afridi urges Pakistani fans to support the Men in Green in 2024 T20 World Cup
Pakistan's pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi has urged the Men in Green supporters to back their team in difficult times. The Babar Azam-led side started their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign on a dismal note, suffering losses to the United States of America (USA) and India.
They opened their account with a seven-wicket win over Canada. Babar Azam and company have received criticism from fans and experts for their underwhelming performances in the showpiece event.
Suggesting that the Pakistani supporters need to back their national team, here's what Shaheen said during an interview with Cricwick:
"Everyone supports you in good times, but I've always said that fans must support us in tough times. We are your team, not a gully cricket team or a team where players have been picked based on recommendations. If you can't support the team now, you are just like the media."
Shaheen Afridi has picked up just two wickets from three matches at an economy rate of 6.91 so far in the 2024 T20 World Cup. They will want their star bowler to fire, hoping for a miraculous turnaround.
"I've worked very closely with him" - Shaheen Afridi on learning from Shahid Afridi
Shaheen Afridi also spoke about how he has worked hard on his batting alongside his father-in-law and former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. He mentioned that his role in T20 cricket is to score boundaries towards the back end of the innings.
The 24-year-old added:
"I've worked very closely with him (Shahid Afridi) and have always worked on my batting in Moin Khan's academy. My role is to hit boundaries in the last couple of overs. So, I mostly practice that."
Shaheen will next be seen in action when Pakistan take on Ireland at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, on Sunday, June 16.
Pakistan are currently placed third in the Group A points table. They must win their last group-stage fixture against Ireland to remain in contention for a place in the Super 8.