Shahid Afridi

“I think, in international cricket, your management is about motivating players.”

“I don't think, in international cricket, there is a need for coaching. The real coaching is to recognise your players' strengths and weaknesses. You always remain positive with your players.”

“I have played with seriousness and in a professional way for my country.”

“My identity is that of a Pakistani player. And nothing is more important than that for me.”

“We think game by game.”

“I always try to do what I know best, and that is play well.”

“I started playing from the age of 11-12. I loved the game immediately but started playing the game seriously only in 1993-94.”

“I don't think there is a need to treat matches with India like a matter of life and death. We need to take cricket as cricket.”

“I don't think I appear very cool to people who observe me on the ground.”

“My relationship with Virat is not dictated by political situation. Virat is a fantastic human being and an ambassador of cricket for his country, just like I am for my country.”

“I am disappointed at not being able to live up to the expectations of my supporters, but every cricketer goes through such a time.”

“The media makes a big deal of small issues.”

“Our country has backed us so much. People who love you so much can criticise you as well.”

“I have nothing personal against Gambhir. In fact, I have some good friends in the Indian team, and I get along with them well off the field. Even if I meet Gambhir somewhere, I will greet him normally, as I have nothing in my heart against him.”

“The reason for my age being messed up in the records is that when I first appeared for the under-14 trials, I myself really did not know my exact age.”

“I have seen a lot of top players being forced to retire in not very pleasant circumstances, and I don't want that happening to me.”

“I don't think any bowler can trouble me much.”

“I am a mature, professional cricketer who fully fathoms the trends and experiences the game has to offer.”

“Gambhir behaves like he's a cross between Don Bradman & James Bond.”

“Media houses should only hire people with a clean background to give their expert opinion.”