ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s former captain and flamboyant all-rounder ShahidAfridi has termed playing cricket on ice as an exciting experience sayingthat it was a big challenge to run around wearing so many layers of cloths.Cricket legends from various countries locked horns with each other onThursday on the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps, a unique cricket match beingplayed on ice-fields.
Shahid Afridi-led Royals face off against Virender Sehwag-led Diamonds inthe unique two-day event where two matches are set to be played on ice.
Royals won the match by six wickets and chased the target in 15.2 overs.
Talking after the match, Afridi said that it was a different experience.
“Experience was totally different, totally different. I enjoyed playingcricket on ice, good thing is that all the big stars from all the majorcountries are here. Would have been better if these matches are played onweekends,” Afridi said in the press conference.
The former Pakistan captain also explained the challenges he and otherplayers faced during the game.
“It was freezing, weather was too cold, fielding was challenge, speciallyto hold the ball and running. While batting, first two overs and grippingthe bat was challenge,” he said.
“Bowling was difficult for spinners, you can’t hold it properly and handsare almost numb due to cold weather,” he said adding that it was sodifficult to run wearing so many layer of cloths.
The former captain added that the players were also conscious due to theslippery nature of the field.
“It was different, we were a bit scared of slipping on snow, and all… butit was different and we enjoyed it,” he concluded.