Shahidi: Afghanistan team is not influenced by South Africa

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): "We recently beat South Africa in Sharjah. So we are confident and we are not under any pressure," Shahidi told a news conference.

 

Afghanistan defeated South Africa 2-1 in a 50-over series late last year.

 

"We have come here to win the championship, not just participating in this cup. We are definitely 100 percent expecting to win this event," Shahidi said.

 

The Afghanistan national cricket team captain said on Thursday that demands to boycott the Afghanistan team in the Champions Trophy would not affect the cricket team.

 

"We only have control over what happens inside the field. Other issues cannot pressure us," Shahidi said.

 

Last month, South Africa's sports minister backed a call by British politicians to boycott the Afghanistan cricket team. But the England and Wales Cricket Board rejected the request, saying England would play Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy, but would not play a series of bilateral matches against the country.

 

Australia, who are in Group B with Afghanistan, England and South Africa, have canceled their 20-over and Test series against Afghanistan for the past two years, but are scheduled to face Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy.

 

Afghanistan will play England in Lahore on February 26 and Australia on February 28.

 

Afghanistan defeated India, England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka - three former champions - in the 2023 World Cup.