Shehzad may still make it to WT20 as Afridi urges Asia Cup squad to perform

Pakistan Twenty20 skipper Shahid Khan Afridi has urged his players to perform well in the upcoming Asia Cup tournament to keep their place in the national squad for World Twenty20, scheduled to be held in India next month.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Afridi said he does not believe in making too many changes to his squad but will not be averse to the idea of bringing in a replacement player should the need arise, rekindling hopes for flamboyant opener Ahmed Shehzad to make a comeback in the national squad just in time for the mega T20 event.

Following an extended run of inconsistent form, Shehzad was dropped from the initial squad for World T20 and Asia Cup announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) earlier this month.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has allowed the participating teams to make final-minute changes in their respective squad for the T20 world cup until March 8.

“I've been trying to take a team with me that don’t see too many changes. That way the players who are in the side are confident too,” said Afridi.

“Under my captaincy, I don't think anyone can complain of not been given a chance or the confidence to perform. Everyone’s been given a lot of chances to do come good. I believe the captains, coach and selection committee have all been very supportive. But if you don’t give the results... and we are not asking for too much, just do your bit to contribute. There’s the Asia Cup now, where more players will get chances. But if there are others showing good form here [PSL], sure why not we can have them for the World T20.”