Thaindian News

By Omar Khalid
Cardiff, Sep 4 (IANS) Vowing to put the betting scandal behind them, England and Pakistan cricket captains Saturday said their teams will give their best in the opening Twenty20 International here Sunday.

Shahid Afridi, Pakistan’s one-day captain, said his players have refocused after going through a tough time because of the spot-fixing allegations levelled against them last Sunday. He apologised for the scandal.

“I think it is very bad news,” he said. “On behalf of these players - I know they are not in this series - but on behalf of these boys I want to say sorry to all cricket lovers and all the cricketing nations.

“I told the boys don’t read the newspapers tomorrow, just focus on cricket. I know the Pakistani people are very upset. We all love cricket. As a team all we can do is to play good, aggressive cricket and maybe when we go back home maybe the things will settle down.

“It is a big challenge for me as a captain but I think we are all ready and focused. Myself and the coach have already told the boys: ‘Don’t talk about this issue, we are here to play cricket.’”

Meanwhile, Paul Collingwood, England’s Twenty20 captain, has said that the home team will give its 100 percent tomorrow.

“There was an air of sadness (when the allegations of spot-fixing came to light),” Collingwood said.

“But the guys are looking forward to getting on with the cricket and hopefully winning the game. The guys are very much 100 per cent prepared to get on with the job in hand and play against Pakistan,” he said.