Shaheen Afridi reveals how Pakistan 'spied' on Indian conditions through IPL stars to prepare for World Cup 2023

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Pakistan quick Shaheen Afridi has revealed how Pakistan have spied about Indian conditions through a few foreign IPL stars ahead of the upcoming World Cup 2023 in the neighbouring country.

The left-arm pacer said that Pakistan players got in touch with a few foreign internationals who play in Indian Premier League (IPL) to get an idea of playing conditions in India.

"All the foreign players who have played in the IPL, we had discussions with them. Spinners will get more help, maybe. We will hit good lengths. Our team performance is going well as the number one (ODI) team. We have prepared well,” Afridi said while talking to AFP.

The Pakistan team do not play in India except for ICC events, due to the strained political relations between the two countries. The Men in Green last played in India during the 2016 T20 World Cup.

Further, the 23-year-old also talked about the Pakistan pace trio which included him, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. He talked about the tuning between the dreaded unit, saying Haris impacts with pace and he along with Naseem try to get early breakthroughs for the team.

“If you play all the three formats at such a young age for Pakistan and handle the new ball, people expect you to perform like that. We know our roles with the new and old ball. Haris is quicker than us and impacts with his pace. Naseem and I try to get early breakthroughs. Communication is good between us and that’s our success,” Afridi added.

India and Pakistan will clash in the Super Four round of the Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday, September 10 at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium.