Pakistan middle order batsman Muhammad Yousuf has praises Shahid Afridi’s leadership during the ICC World Cup 2011, where Pakistan reached the final four.
Yousuf said that Afridi’s captaincy was impressive throughout the tournament. Afridi gathered a scattered and scandal prone team on a single platform and made them into a first rate fighting unit.
The seasoned batsman, who was ignored for the World Cup squad because of his poor form and robustness, praised the selection of the young blood Asad Shafiq as a middle order recognized batsman in the 15-member World Cup squad.
The exclusive middle order batsman said that Shafiq was a good choice in the middle order which has resolved the Pakistan’s batting tribulations to some extent.
Yousuf accepted that Shafiq’ wicket was vital in the semi-final and his departure affected the match result. He criticised Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan for their batting.
The master batsman insisted that he would have loved to play the World Cup. However he did not disclose his future plans. Yousuf does not hold a Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) central contract, which is an indication that he would not be considered for the
future series against West Indies.
Pakistan Captain Afridi has asked for the inclusion of young blood in the team. In the current situation, it seems like Pakistan have no other option but to inject young blood in the national team touring West Indies starting from 18th April 2011.