KARACHI: Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi has advised Team Pakistan to play the Champions Trophy final against arch-rivals India without taking undue pressure and as freely the PSL matches were played.

“Whatever the result of the final, I want our players to play freely and positively like they did in the PSL,” said Afridi.

He also declared the Pakistan-England semifinal as the actual final of Champions Trophy and added that he believes Pakistan has already outplayed the favourites of the tournament.

“The Pakistan-England match was like a final to me and Pakistan won it, so I’m really happy. Pakistan has surpassed all expectations.”

Afridi, nicknamed Boom Boom for his explosive style of playing the game in all Pakistan India matches would now be on the other side of the screen and will support team Pakistan in their big final.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2017