April 06, 2008	Sunday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 28, 1429

KARACHI, April 5: Flamboyant Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi on Saturday described Bangladesh as dangerous opponents in the forthcoming one-day series.

“Bangladesh are a good side and any complacency against them could be dangerous (for Pakistan),” Afridi told reporters after the unveiling of his cricket coaching programme with the Customs Cricket Academy (CCA) at Karachi Gymkhana.

CCA’s chief organiser former Test paceman Jalaluddin announced the details of the coaching programme, adding it will be held on scientific lines.

Afridi said that Bangladesh were a very talented one-day side and they were developing into a strong unit.

“Look at their track record. They have also beaten Australia and other fancied teams,” he maintained.

Afridi further said that it would have been better had Australia visited and played in Pakistan, saying it would have been a great opportunity for the Pakistan players to assess themselves against the world’s best team.

However, he said the Pentangular Cup and the ongoing National One-day Cricket Cup have prepared the players well for the Bangladesh series.

On the controversy involving Shoaib Akhtar and PCB chief Dr Nasim Ashraf after the five-year ban imposed on the former, Afridi said the sooner the matter end amicably the better, saying it has given bad name to the country.—APP