Afridi launches charm offensive

Throwing the usual pre-match cliches out of the window,Afridi ensured that cricket and its technicalities took a backseat,as journalists from around the world were given more headlines in fifteen minutes on Tuesday,than they probably acquired all tournament long.

Swaggering to the microphone-laden stage,the charismatic Afridi brought to the table his Pathani traits arrogance in voice,charming in the delivery. While he was just about mocking during Round One the English media session Afridi came into his own on home turf,when the tongue turned Hindi.

When asked about his batting,Afridi tested still waters,shrugging his shoulders before saying: Batting? Sometimes I perform,mostly I dont. But inshallah,I know how important it is in cricket,and to my team. But going by my record,Im not so sure. That answer set the stage for an Afridi stand-up show,and he didnt fail to deliver.

After a few questions,a visibly fidgety Afridi was at the receiving end of a lengthy question on pressures and the regular clichés. It got so long,that it had to be broken down by the journalist into two parts. The pressure is very good,the boys are very good,and were focusing on the game,that is also very good, he rattled off for the first part,before stopping and quizzing back: Sawaal doosra kya tha bhai? (What was the second question?)

Stumped

A senior Pakistani journalist,probably as sick as Afridi with all the distorted facts running on Indian television channels,wanted to know if he did indeed say a few bad things about Sachin Tendulkar to the press. Afridi scratched his beard in agitation,and scoffed back in Urdu.

I havent said anything,the Indian media tries to make a big deal out of every small thing,distorting facts and quotes. I have never told anyone that I want Tendulkar to fail. But in any case,why will I pray for his century? Thoda akkal istamal karo bhai log. I hope the Indian media uses their brains in the future.

Just when it could not get any better,Afridi was asked if the Pakistan side,young in age,could deal with the pressures of tomorrows game. Fair question,but a greater answer. Age kam hai? And youre looking at me and saying that,Im 31. Oh,you mean average age. Not a worry. It isnt hard to raise the averages,and Wednesdays is a game when averages should,and will go up.

Bouncers

No press conference with the opposition skipper is over without a question on how the Indians will deal with bouncers and short-pitched stuff. The Aussies bounced them,began one journalist,before Afridi cut in and said,And they took a hammering,change your question.

Finally,saving his best for last,Afridi was asked why his team practiced twice on Monday. Why,didnt you like it? he asked back. The same scribe changed his method and said two practice sessions,and praying on the field like they did was new to cricket. You observed new things? Thats good then,new things must always happen. Its refreshing. Just like Shahid Khan Afridi.