Shaheen Afridi demands unity as Pakistan eyes

Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has stressed the importance of unity and teamwork as the national side prepares for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa.

With Pakistan set to begin the ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka on Sunday, Shaheen said the team’s primary objective was to build a strong, united squad capable of competing against the world’s best sides.

The left-arm fast bowler, who took charge of the ODI team last year, has guided Pakistan through a rebuilding phase, with the side winning all its home ODI series during this period. He is expected to continue leading the team through the World Cup campaign.

Shaheen also expressed strong confidence in former captain Babar Azam, calling him the backbone of the team and highlighting his contributions in recent home series. Despite previous changes in Pakistan’s captaincy, the skipper insisted that the players were united and focused on achieving their shared goals.

The upcoming tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England, will provide an important opportunity to assess the team’s progress ahead of next year’s global tournament.

Shaheen explained that Pakistan had been preparing pitches with conditions similar to those expected in South Africa and England. The strategy aims to help both the batting and bowling departments adapt to faster surfaces, greater bounce and additional assistance for pace bowlers.

Pakistan could include three or four specialist fast bowlers in their playing XI, making all-rounder Saim Ayub’s bowling contribution particularly valuable. Shaheen backed the young player despite his recent struggles in T20 and Test cricket, expressing confidence that regular opportunities in ODIs would help him improve.

Meanwhile, England captain Harry Brook described the tri-series as a valuable challenge against two competitive teams, while praising Pakistan’s passionate cricket fans. He said the tournament would help England assess their ODI strength in subcontinental conditions.

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis also expressed optimism, pointing to his team’s positive finish in the recent T20I series against Pakistan. He highlighted the importance of adapting quickly to local conditions and relying on the experience of senior players and all-rounders.

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in their opening match before meeting England on October 20 and 25 and Sri Lanka again on October 27. The tri-series final is scheduled for October 31.

With the World Cup approaching, Shaheen’s leadership will be tested as Pakistan look to maintain their momentum, strengthen team unity and build a squad capable of challenging for the ultimate ODI title.