KARACHI: All-rounder Shahid Afridi has voiced his intentions to make a comeback after being dropped for the Champions Trophy, saying he is ready for a recall when Pakistan take on the West Indies later this year.
Afridi's place in the side was the subject of much debate as he was not in good form, and was thus dropped for the tournament in England. The 33-year-old has 354 ODIs under his belt, but last played in March, against South Africa.
A determined Afridi in a TV interview said: "I have been training hard for the coming tour to West Indies and I feel I am in rhythm for the tough tour. I am confident I can still give a lot to Pakistan cricket."
Afridi then cautioned against making too many wholesale changes to the side, even though their form in both Tests and ODIs has not been ideal in recent months. He felt that the current crop, even the reserves, should be allowed to prove themselves, despite a poor showing at the ICC event.
The veteran all-rounder continued: "The selectors should start trying out some new players with the future in mind but it would be risky to make too many changes in the team.
"Even our bench strength is not bad, we have some good talented players who can be given a proper run to establish themselves in international cricket."
Afridi was not shy about expressing his discomfort with Australian coach Dav Whatmore, saying the players preferred a local coach, with whom they could freely communicate and who understood their culture.
He added: "The role of coaches is important but yes it is a fact that our players tend to be more comfortable while communicating with a local coach like when Mohsin Khan was with the team."
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