Neglected Afridi rejects 'jealousy' claims on Malik's captaincy

Lahore, Apr 27 (UNI) Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has dismissed allegations of being 'jealous' after his relatively younger teammate Shoaib Malik has been appointed the new captain of the national side.

''I don't have any grudge with Malik, even I welcomed the decision as it is futuristic and will be fruitful in the future,'' Afridi was quoted by 'The News' as saying in an interview.

However, the 27-year-old hard-hitting batsman, who is one of the seniormost pro in the team, admitted that he was eager to lead the Pakistan team, but at the same time made it clear that he will give his 100 per cent for the team in spite of being ignored for the high-profile job.

''Every senior player was hoping for the captaincy and so was I, but that does not mean that I will oppose my new captain,'' Afridi said.

He said right now his focus is to give his best to help his side retain the winning ways, especially after the Caribbean World Cup debacle.

The all-rounder, who holds the world record for the fastest ODI century, also assured his full support to the new captain and hoped the same from the other senior members of the side.

UNI