Hafeez backs Afridi as T20 captain

Pakistan batsman Muhammad Hafeez has come out in support of the appointment of Shahid Afridi as the national T20 captain.
The former national T20 captain, who is presently leading the Lahore Lions team in the Champions League in India, said he had no regrets over the appointment of Afridi.
"When I decided to step down as the national T20 captain this year I took the decision after much thought and I don't regret that decision at all," Hafeez said on telephone from Hyderabad.
"I am happy for Afridi and it will be my endeavor that as senior players I would like to work with him to see Pakistan do well in the coming matches," he said.

Hafeez said he was happy to see that the Pakistan Cricket Board had appointed Afridi as captain until the World T20 in India.
"I never thought about the captaincy when the board was to announce the new captain. What I am happy about is that they have given Afridi a proper term as captain."

"I am sure with his vast experience the two years that he has he will build a strong team for the World T20. He is a aggressive player and can get the players to push themselves," he added.
Hafeez said if Pakistan cricket was to move forward it was important to have continuity and stability in the team and in key positions.

"I believe that a captain and coach should be given proper time to do what they want to get the team to perform well and achieve the required results."
Pakistan's head coach, Waqar Younis also told reporters today that Afridi's appointment was a positive sign.
"It is a good thing because he is an experienced player and knows everything inside out and I would like to see him taking the team forward," Waqar said.