Karachi, March 29: Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi on Monday lashed out at the Indian media for criticism his team on the issue of matchfixing.
Speaking in Pakistani Geo News program "Score" over telephone from Mohali, Afridi said Pakistan's team will respond to the Indian media with its performance on the field against India in the semifinal.
“Rehman Malik (Interior Minister) should not have given a statement regarding matck fixing on the occasion of World Cup,” Shahid Afridi said.
He however added that players mostly prefer to speak with one another instead of listening to news or reading newspapers.
He said Pakistani players are ‘quite satisfied' in India in all respects. There is no security issue here, he added.“We will respond to the Indian media's criticism with our performance in the stadium,” the Pakistan skipper asserted.
Shahid Afridi said the players are well aware of the significance of this match and the team is well-prepared to take on India in the semi final on March 30 in Mohali. “The team's hopes are high to defeat India,” he added.
With reference to Shoaib Akhter's inclusion in the squad, he said a decision is yet to be made. “We want Shoaib who can pull out a strong 10-over spell and not one who can last for only three-four overs,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan PM Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani late Monday rang up Afridi and wished that the Pakistani team will not let the nation down and will leave no stone unturned to win the vital Mohali match.
Afridi, on the occasion, complained to Gilani about the controversial statement made by Interior Minister Abdul Rehman Malik on matchfixing.
After Afridi lodged his complaint, Gilani directed Rehman Malik to clarify. Later, Malik rang up Afridi and tendered his apology over his statement relating to spot-fixing.An official statement said, Prime Minister Gilani told Afridi he would go to Mohali personally to encourage the national cricket team.
