Haroon Lorgat invites Pakistan to "bring it" to the Caribbean for ICC World Twenty20

ICC Chief Executive in Karachi ahead of fast-and-furious tournament of 42 men's and women's matches over 17 days in true nation-versus-nation actionPakistan captain Afridi: "Being defending champion gives us the belief and confidence that if we can do it once, we can do it again"Video news release available from SNTV

As the build-up towards this year's ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies gathers pace, ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat visited Karachi, home of defending champion Pakistan, to show off the trophy that Shahid Afridi and his team will be traveling to the Caribbean to defend.

Addressing a gathering that included a host of Pakistan stars including former Test captains Javed Miandad, Moin Khan, Rashid Latif and current chairman of selectors Mohsin Khan, Mr Lorgat said he could not wait for the action to start in Guyana on 30 April.

Mr Lorgat said: "It's fantastic to visit the reigning champion Pakistan who deservedly won the event in England last year after narrowly losing the final of the inaugural event in South Africa in 2007. I am certain the action in the Caribbean will maintain, if not surpass, the successes of those previous two tournaments.

"As in 2009 the men's and women's tournaments will be hosted jointly with the semi-finals and finals played on the same days at the same venues. This will again provide women's cricket with a great platform to showcase the top players.

"With just 15 days to go, I am looking forward to another fast-and-furious tournament with 42 men's and women's matches taking place over 17 days in great nation-versus-nation action. Our catchphrase for this event is 'bring it' and I have no doubt the Pakistan players will bring their A game to the Caribbean while its supporters - from wherever they are watching - will no doubt bring their enthusiasm and passion for their team.

Mr Lorgat also said this year's event would have a new and exciting element - the presence of Pakistan's neighbours Afghanistan after it qualified alongside Ireland earlier this year.

"Afghanistan is an amazing good-news story for that country and the game of cricket in general and it is especially relevant to Pakistan as many of those in the squad learnt and played the game in or around Peshawar," he said.

ICC Director and PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt said: "We are grateful to the ICC and its Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat for coming to Pakistan, the home of the defending champions in the men's event.

"Haroon's presence in Pakistan at a time when international cricket is not possible here is hugely reassuring and once again illustrates the commitment of the game's global governing body to do whatever it can to help ensure cricket remains healthy in Pakistan.

"Pakistan has done extremely well in the shortest format of the game in the past and the present side has the required skill, talent, experience and expertise to once again excel in the tournament."

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said his side was capable of repeating the 2009 heroics but stressed the players would have to be consistent and at the peak of their forms throughout the tournament.

"All the players are looking forward to the ICC World Twenty20 2010 as it will be the first time in more than a decade that we will be going into a tournament as the defending champion," he said.

"It is a pleasant feeling and although it adds to pressure, it also gives you the belief and confidence that if you can do it once, you can do it again.

"The players know they will be carrying the expectations of their fans on their shoulders and, therefore, I'm sure they will leave no stone unturned in giving their best.

"The victory at Lord's was due to a result of excellent team work and if we again play as a unit, and support and back each other, I don't see any reason why we can't repeat our performance in England."