KARACHI: Pakistan T20 captain Shahid Afridi on Monday slammed Australia’s decision of cancelling their scheduled tour to Bangladesh over security fear.

He was speaking to the women cricket teams of Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Southend Club here on Monday morning.

The Bangladesh women cricket team is playing the ODI series against its Pakistan counterparts these days. They lost the first ODI by 20 runs on Sunday after losing the T20 series 0-2.

Afridi added that Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India should not be cancelling tours over small issues.

“Security is paramount but tours should not get cancelled over minor issues,” he said.

“Sport bridges gaps between countries. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka should show some unity and counter these security fears as we have suffered a lot with international teams not coming to Pakistan,” he added.

The T20 skipper was of the view that women cricket teams in Asia should play more cricket among themselves just like their men counterparts who play Asia Cup regularly.

He wished the women teams luck for their second ODI, to be played on Tuesday.

“I have come here to wish you all the best for the match.

“I won’t take much of your time, won’t talk long, just like my batting these days,” he said making all laugh.

“I hope it will be a good match. And I am glad that you came here to play the series. Sports are important for building relationships between countries.

“Both Bangladesh Cricket Board and Pakistan Cricket Board deserve credit for making this happen,” he complimented.

“More teams should come here so that our media can show how well we host our guests. The Bangladesh women team has taken a good step in deciding to come here. Others should also come.”

While replying to a question about what happened to the national men’s team in Zimbabwe, the Pakistan T20 captain said the pitches were difficult.

“Not just for Pakistan, the pitches were difficult for the hosts as well. So both sides suffered,” he said.

On the issue of Sarfraz Ahmed’s chances in the team, he said that Sarfraz could easily play as a batsman.

“He can bat in the top order, from number three to six. And why just him, there is also a place for Khurram Manzoor, who should also be given a chance by the selection committee,” he added.

About their upcoming series with England, he said, “I feel we need to play more in the subcontinent to acclimatise ourselves for the 2016 World T20 to be played in India in March-April.”

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2015

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