We’ve always received a lot of love in India: Shahid Afridi

The Pakistan Team finally landed in India today after being given a green signal by their government. Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi showered praises on India and spoke some warm words during his first press conference after his team’s arrival in India. Speaking to ANI, Afridi said that he was happy to be in India, where he was even more loved than in Pakistan.

“India mein humne humesha cricket enjoy kia, yahan ke logon se humein bahut pyar mila, itna pyar humein Pak mein bhi ni mila jitna yahan,” Afridi said.

The Pakitan skipper said that despite the delay in arriving, the team was mentally prepared to travel to India for the mega tournament.

The Pakistan contingent comprising 15 players, 12 officials and support staff reached the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport amid tight security.

Shoaib Malik praised the security provided by the Indian government, Pakistan’s failure in the Asia Cup, the rise of Virat and co and his own batting position.

“I am very happy to be in India, I always get a lot of love. I am honored to be in India…you could figure it out their games have improved big time,” he said.

“My wife is from India. I come to India a lot, I never had any security. This is a great opportunity for us to perform well and bring Pakistan where the rest of the world is,” he added.

Malik also spoke about the failure in the Asia Cup and said that he doesn’t mind batting at any position as long as it helps the team.

“What we were expecting during Asia cup, we couldn’t deliver. But that’s part of a professional’s life. Whatever happened has happened. It’s a new tournament; we are here to give our best. I’ve never thought of batting at 1 number because I started as an off-spinner, later I became a batsman. I have batted at all numbers and I don’t mind batting any number as long as it helps the team. We are working, we need to improve our skills in batting and techniques. Soon we will be back on track,” he was quoted saying by ANI.

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka later in the day in their first warm-up match. The 2009 winners will kick start their campaign on March 16 in Kolkata.