Afridi looking forward to India clash

The Pakistan cricket team left for Colombo to take part in the Asia Cup with captain Shahid Afridi saying that the match against India would be the highlight of the event.

"The guys are already looking forward to that match and I am sure we will give our best to beat India," he said.

Afridi also insisted that he would not allow anyone to indulge in intrigues or politics in the team.

"I will not tolerate anyone trying to create intrigues or indiscipline in the team and we have made this clear to all players," he said.

Pacer Muhammad Asif could not leave with the rest of the squad via Dubai for Colombo because of the travel ban on him enforced by the Dubai authorities due to his 2008 drug detention case.

Asif will reach Colombo separately on another flight via Abu Dhabi.

Afridi said he is hopeful of good results in the Asia Cup.

"We have all trained really hard and we see the Asia Cup as the first part of our preparations for the 2011 World Cup so this is a important tournament for us," he said.

Afridi, who will also lead the team on the Test tour to England, said Pakistan didn't have a very impressive record in the Asia Cup having won it just once in 10 editions, in 2000.

"I don't want to make tall claims but I think our team is capable of beating anyone on its day if we play like a unit and to our full potential and as captain it is my job to push the players to give their best," he said.

The Pakistan skipper admitted that Pakistan cricket has been struggling since the World Twenty20 Cup win in England last year and needs a big victory.

"The team also realises that it needs to win a big event like the Asia Cup to put us back on the winning track. We need to do well in the tournament to boost our confidence ahead of the tough England tour," he stated.