Afridi : As the cricketing world turns its attention to Birmingham’s Edgbaston Stadium, anticipation is building for the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL). Among the most talked-about teams is the Pakistan Champions side, who, driven by last year’s near-miss, are returning with renewed determination. Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi has voiced strong belief in his squad’s ability to go all the way this year, buoyed by a revitalized team structure and a hunger for redemption.
A Revamped Squad with Fresh Leadership
The Pakistan Champions enter this edition with notable changes in leadership and squad composition. Mohammad Hafeez, a seasoned all-rounder, has taken the captaincy reins from Younis Khan, who led the team to the final in the previous campaign. The leadership change has injected new energy into the squad, blending the experience of senior campaigners with the exuberance of emerging talent.
Shahid Afridi, speaking ahead of a pre-tournament training session at Edgbaston, emphasized the team’s balanced composition. “We have a wonderful squad again. The team combination is very strong. This time we have more young talent, and a new captain is leading them. The aim is to have a new legendary cricketer from the past leading the Pakistan Champions squad,” said Afridi, reflecting confidence in the squad’s depth and versatility.
The inclusion of players like Imad Wasim, Asif Ali, Umar Amin, and the ever-reliable Shoaib Malik has further bolstered the team’s strength. These seasoned campaigners, supported by stars such as Wahab Riaz and Sohail Tanvir, ensure that both batting and bowling departments remain well-equipped to handle English conditions.
High-Stakes Matches and Fan Anticipation
The Pakistan Champions’ campaign kicks off with a much-anticipated fixture against the England Champions on July 18. However, the spotlight will inevitably shine brightest on the “Takra” against arch-rivals India Champions on July 20. The India-Pakistan rivalry, steeped in history and emotion, promises to provide an electric atmosphere at Edgbaston.
Afridi highlighted the special excitement surrounding the clash with India: “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.”
Team owner Kamil Khan echoed Afridi’s optimism, pointing out the tournament’s growth in stature and fan engagement since its inaugural edition. He emphasized the squad’s collective motivation: “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. The buzz is very good, and every match will be equally tough, regardless of the opponent.”
Balancing Experience and Opportunity
One of the standout features of the Pakistan Champions squad is the wealth of all-rounders, a strategy designed to adapt seamlessly to English conditions. Kamil Khan explained that the team’s composition not only boosts their chances in this tournament but also serves as a platform for players on the fringes of national selection.
“We are 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,” said Khan.
Head coach Arshad Khan highlighted the team’s impressive match fitness, noting that many players remain active in club and domestic cricket. The blend of fresh talent such as Asif Ali, Hafeez, Umar Amin, and Rumman Raees with experience from Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, and Shoaib Malik makes the squad particularly adaptable. With a productive training camp ahead of the tournament, the team is optimistic about ironing out any potential weaknesses before they face their first opponents.
