'Don't forget MSD's record'

Mahendra Singh Dhoni may have faced lot of flak for his team’s embarrassing ODI series defeat against Bangladesh but Pakistan T20 captain Shahid Afridi is “not happy” in the manner the Indian ODI skipper was being targeted.Afridi termed this as “sub-continental trend” where the cricketing heroes are pilloried after one odd series defeat.

“I really felt bad in the way MS (Dhoni) has been treated after Bangladesh series defeat. I completely think it’s a sub-continental trend where our heroes are not spared after one bad defeat. The media is also responsible for not painting the true picture at times,” Afridi said.Afridi could empathise more with Dhoni as he has also faced criticism over the years in his own country.

“I am not saying that one should not analyse the present performance of a leader or a player. Criticise him but when you do that please don’t forget to also inform the world about the past. When you look at Dhoni, just look at his record before jumping to any conclusions. He has been such a tremendous player for India. His record speaks for itself,” said Afridi.

The swashbuckling batsman also credited Dhoni for building a good Indian team for future. “Dhoni has built such a good team for the future. There is so much quality and talent in that batting line-up,” he said.Afridi, who now only plays T20 format for Pakistan, also sounded positive about Pakistan’s bench strength. “Pakistan cricket’s domestic structure has improved a lot in recent years. That is why we are now having a good supply line of youngsters in the national team. This team will only grow from strength to strength in coming days,” observed the 35-year-old.

Afridi quit playing ODIs after World Cup in Australia and New Zealand with a record 398 ODIs. Asked if he regrets not reaching the coveted 400 ODIs milestone, he replied: “Not at all. In fact I am grateful to Almighty Allah (God) that I have got the opportunity to play for Pakistan for such a long time.

“I am very happy to play T20 for Pakistan and would like to play the World T20 in India, next year,” Afridi said. The hard-hitting batsman also said that plying his trade in T20 leagues across the world is his way of staying fit.” said Afridi.

The hard-hitting batsman also said that plying his trade in T20 leagues across the world is his way of staying fit for competitions. While signing off, Afridi said that “India’s co-operation will be needed” to resume full-time cricket in Pakistan.‘Why should msD quitIJ’New Delhi: Joining the chorus of fellow cricketers, former women’s team captain Anjum Chopra on Friday said that there is no need for limited-overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to relinquish captaincy since defeats are part and parcel of the game.

“Why should he quitIJ,” Chopra said when asked about the raging controversy over skipper Dhoni’s comments after demoralising series-defeat against Bangladesh. “Wins and losses are part of the game. And let’s face it that Bangladesh have played well. They have beaten the West Indies, Pakistan and now India. Credit goes to them for a brilliant performance,” she said.