Pakistan gets ICC World Twenty20 bid off to a flier

24th April 2010: Confidence was sky high in the Pakistan team as they stopped off in Dubai en route to the Caribbean where they are aiming to extend their reign as the kings of Twenty20 cricket. The UAE has been a second home to Pakistan in recent times and their resounding victory over Australia in Dubai in May last year was the launching pad for their amazing triumph at the ICC World Twenty20 the following month. And Shahid Afridi the explosive all-rounder who inspired their victory in London believes they have a great chance to become the first nation to win back-to-back titles. “Our preparations have been very good we are focused and very excited about defending our title, said the newly appointed captain. “The team is in high spirits after a great flight to Dubai with Emirates and we are all looking forward to landing in the West Indies for the 2010 ICC World Twenty20. “Playing against the best teams in the world in a perfect location like the Caribbean will make for a brilliant tournament. “We are looking forward to getting our challenge under way and, with our opening match against Bangladesh only a week away, excitement among the players is building. Afridi warmed up for his World Twenty glory bid by taking part in the Emirates Airline Twenty20 in Dubai last month. He starred as a guest of Fly Emirates XI a team of talented employees from the Emirates Group, who shocked English County side Surrey and South Africa’s Emerging Cape Cobras en route to a showdown with Sussex who they beat without the Pakistan talisman. Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline & Group, is a keen follower of cricket and wished Afridi well ahead of the ICC World Twenty20. He said: “It was tremendous to have Shahid playing for Fly Emirates last month. He was an inspiration to our players and I hope he enjoys further success in the West Indies. It is a real honour that Shahid and his team-mates are flying with Emirates to the tournament.