Shahid Afridi's Interview With Just Chill Chill
How do you feel about Pakistan’s defeat against England in the test series?
The first match was a draw. In the second test match, a wrong decision was taken to bat instead of bowling first. In the third test match, on the 4th day we played well but on the 5th day we didn’t work hard. Left everything to Allah instead of making an effort to work hard.
Recently you had made up your mind to retire from test cricket why did you make such a decision?
Because we are playing too much cricket. Cricket is no longer like a sport. It is more like a business. I wanted to spend more time with my family and also take rest. Playing too much cricket also causes a lot of injuries, like it has done to Asif, Rana and Shoaib. Till the world cup I wanted to take rest from test cricket.
Then you took this decision back. Why was that and who influenced you in taking your decision back?
This was because of my well wishers and the chairman wanted to see me in test cricket. Also the decision that I took was a very hasty one, as I didn’t ask anyone before taking this decision.
Whenever you play in test matches, why are you in such a hurry to score runs, even if it means that you loose your wicket?
Test cricket is now really fast and has become very modern. My style from the beginning has been positive.
Why were you dropped for the third test against England?
Better to ask the captain.
How do you feel about the Pakistani team management? Do you reckon they are efficient and why are there so many coaches & manager. Do you think this is necessary?
We have got Bob Woolmer. You don’t need so many people in management. Bob is our coach as well our manager. Bob is a warm and positive person. I am happy with him and lucky to have him as our coach.
In your opinion who do you think is a better captain Inzimam ul Haq or Younis Khan?
Inzi is very experienced. Younis is young, fresh blood and aggressive. I prefer Inzimam.
In the past you have had well publicised conflicts with Younis Khan.
What do you have to say about it?
Yea his personality is like this. He doesn’t listen to even senior guys like Muhammad Yousuf. Our duty is to advise him. If he doesn’t listen then what can we do. We don’t care then.
What are your expectations from the one-dayers to be played against England? How do you plan to bowl and bat?
I am very positive. Pakistan is a good one-day team. I am going to play my usual game, which is going to be positive. I always love to play positive.
Who is the one player in the Pakistani team with whom you get along very well?
Razzaq and Inzi.
Sometimes always being with the same people such as the player’s & coaches must be irritating.
Don’t you guys get fed up of each other?
We live like a family. We spend more time with each other than with our own families.
What are the qualities that attracted you towards your wife?
My wife is very simple. Her simplicity attracted me towards her.
How was your childhood and what type of upbringing would you like to give to your children?
I was very naughty and still am. I have two daughters. One is four and the other one is three. I want to give them a religious upbringing.
