Pakistan’s star fast bowler and Champions Cup One Day team Lions captain Shaheen Afridi has expressed optimism about the upcoming tournament, viewing it as a vital opportunity for the future of Pakistan cricket.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Afridi emphasized the importance of having a strong backup for players, noting the challenges posed by frequent injuries. He acknowledged his own experiences with injuries in the past and stressed the need for depth in the squad to ensure sustained performance in the long run.
"Pakistan has a lot of cricket ahead, and the Champions Cup is an excellent platform to identify and groom emerging talent," he remarked.
He hopes that the tournament will not only showcase the abilities of current players but also bring forward new talent that can be developed for future international competitions.
Afridi singled out young batsman Abdullah Shafiq, expressing high hopes for his performance in the tournament. "There are a lot of expectations from Abdullah Shafiq, and I believe he will break many records," Afridi stated.
He further emphasized that the Champions Cup will serve as an essential learning experience for cricketers, and offer an opportunity to teach young players.