Pak Champions can win WCL: Shahid Afridi

Express Tribune

3 days ago

Pakistan Champions have a wonderful squad and the team combination is very strong, says Shahid Afridi. PHOTO: AFP
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi believes the Pakistan Champions are ready to go all the way in the upcoming World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 and clinch the title this year.
The second edition of the tournament kicks off on Friday, July 18, at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, with Pakistan Champions facing England Champions in the opening match.
This season, Mohammad Hafeez takes over the captaincy from Younis Khan, who led Pakistan to the final in the previous edition.
Speaking to a local news channel during a training session at Edgbaston, Afridi expressed faith in the team's abilities and praised the squad's depth.
"We have a wonderful squad again. The team combination is very strong. Last year, too, we had a good first season, but this year we are hopeful of winning the tournament," Afridi said.
"This time we have more young talent, and a new captain is leading them. Last year, Younis Khan did a great job; this year, we have Hafeez doing the honours. The aim is to have a new legendary cricketer from the past leading the Pakistan Champions squad," he added.
The much-awaited Pakistan vs India clash will be held on Sunday, July 20, also at Edgbaston. Afridi acknowledged the intensity of the historic rivalry.
"All the matches are important for us, but Pakistan versus India — those games always have a different vibe and excitement. I'm hopeful more fans will flock to the stadiums to watch us in action," he said.
Team owner Kamil Khan also shared his confidence ahead of the tournament, saying the squad is motivated and ready to go a step further.
"We came here with renewed passion and motivation for victory. We've got a strong team, but all the other teams in the tournament are also very good. We are hoping for a better second season of the WCL," he said.
"The competition has grown since last year, and there is now a lot more fan following. The buzz is very good, and every match will be equally tough, regardless of the opponent," Kamil added.
He highlighted the importance of having several all-rounders in English conditions and noted that the WCL provides opportunities to players still capable of representing Pakistan.
"We have seasoned players like Imad Wasim, Asif Ali, Umar Amin, and Hafeez as our captain, accompanied by stars like Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik. Considering the conditions and fitness of the players, it's a very balanced squad with several all-rounders," he further added.
"We are also providing a platform for those players who can still represent Pakistan but, for various reasons, are not currently on the PCB's radar – like Amir Yamin, who performed so well in the first edition too," he noted.
Head coach Arshad Khan echoed the optimism, highlighting the team's mix of experience and match readiness.
"We have several fresh legs in the squad this year, like Asif Ali, Hafeez, Umar Amin, and Rumman Raees, along with experienced players Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Sohaib Maqsood, and Amir Yamin," he stated.
"Most of these players have recently been active in club cricket, and some have even featured in domestic cricket. Even our senior players are fully fit and in good shape. We also have some practice time before the first game, which will help us overcome any notable shortcomings," he concluded.