Afridi's advice to his team for coping with the stress

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By Mohit sexena-There is no war. It's a big cricket match for both the teams and I want to just focus on it - Afridi

Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has asked his teammates to refrain from watching news on television ahead of their much-hyped World Cup semifinal clash against arch-rival India on Wednesday.

The hype surrounding Pakistan's clash against India is only growing with every passing hour with Indian media going into a frenzy especially in the context of the diplomatic relations between to the two neighbouring nations.

And to avoid any distraction ahead of the all-important encounter, Afridi has advised his players not to watch any news or talk show related to their match.

"The media here has created quite a hype around our World Cup semifinal against India but I'm not watching it. Whenever they start flashing some story about the match, I just change the channel and go to something else. I have no time for it," Afridi was quoted as saying by the media.

"There is no war. It's a big cricket match for both the teams and I want to just focus on it.

"I've asked all the players to avoid watching news or discussions on TV shows and bulletins. It might distract them," the dashing all-rounder added.

With 21 scalps in his kitty, Afridi is the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup and has led the team from the front in the tournament so far and he realises the huge burden that rests on his shoulders ahead of Wednesday's match.

"I know that as captain and the team's senior player, I have a huge responsibility," Afridi said.

"I've been really working hard and am confident that I'll lead from the front against India. It's a huge match not just because it's against India but because a win in here will boom our place in the final," he stressed.

Expressing satisfaction over Pakistan's preparation for the India match, Afridi said handling pressure would be crucial to his team's success on Wednesday.

"We've had some really good training sessions here. The boys are all focused and the best part is that they are all relaxed and not taking any pressure," he said.

"How they will handle the pressure in the match is going to be key. I'm confident that they will not face any problems in doing that. We are a good side and have the guts to face any situation," Afridi added.

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