ISLAMABAD: National Twenty20 skipper Shahid Afridi feels the forthcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) will prove a big platform for both senior players as well as youngsters to learn and improve.

Afridi said PSL would be a great event in the history of Pakistan cricket.

“This league can help our senior players regain form whereas youngsters will get an opportunity to interact with international cricketers of repute and learn from their skills,” Afridi stated about the five-team league starting in Dubai on Feb 4.

Meanwhile, commenting on the recent T20 series loss (1-2) in New Zealand, Afridi reckoned though his team suffered defeat in the series yet they remained a formidable outfit capable of shocking any side in the world.

“Our performance has not been up to the mark quite recently but no one can downplay the green-shirts as we have the potential to rise,” claimed Afridi.

It was time for Pakistan players to get united and believe in themselves and their capabilities before starting the World T20 campaign, insisted the captain.

“We have very talented players in our team but still they have to prove their talent by performing [well],” he stated.

The skipper also expressed concern about the dip in form of Ahmed Shehzad and Sohaib Maqsood, stating both needed to work hard on their batting.

“Sohaib believed that he could perform well up the batting order. He was given the chance but he has not delivered,” Afridi said.

Responding to a question, Afridi said the T20 series against New Zealand had been helpful in identifying the weak areas.

“We tried out various options during the New Zealand series. It is true these options did not work for us but I believe we have learnt a lot. I think still we have the time and can plan for the World T20 in a better way,” Afridi said.

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2016