Johannesburg: Shahid ‘Boom Boom’ Afridi, among the most flamboyant of cricketers for well over a decade now, spoke to The Telegraph at the Sandton Sun on Friday. The 29-year-old was frank throughout and often emotional.

The following are excerpts

QYou’ve completed 13 years of international cricket today (October 2). How has this journey been?

A I’ve learnt a lot... About good things and bad, about good people and bad... I’ve also learnt what pressure means and how best to handle pressure and expectations. In fact, is beech maine hasna aur rona bhi seekha.

But what have you learnt the most?

That whether one is a good cricketer or not, he has to be a good human being. That’s very important.

You’re seen as a match-winner in limited overs cricket, how do you handle pressure?

Different people have different ways of handling it... Some talk to themselves, some talk to others... I prefer to close my eyes and take deep breaths... That helps me relax. Apne uparwale se madat bhi mangta hoon.

There was confusion over your temporary retirement from Test cricket...

The confusion was created by somebody in the media... What I’d said was that if I’m not going to be selected for Test cricket (last appearance was in July 2006), then I might as well call it a day and focus on ODIs and T20... After all, I’d been around for a long time and even had a decent Test average, of 37-plus... What I said got misrepresented.

You’re Pakistan’s T20 captain and the vice-captain in ODIs... Were you excited when you got the T20 captaincy a few months ago?

Frankly, I wasn’t over the moon, because I got the captaincy — whatever the form — after others, junior to me, had got the chance to lead Pakistan... I’d felt somewhat hurt at being ignored, for I’d been around for so many years on the strength of my performances... When the captaincy came my way, I said to myself ‘chalo, meri bhi baari aa gayi’.

But did you not give 100 per cent under those captains who’d started their careers after you?

Of course I did, it’s the duty of every player to give 100 per cent... The country’s pride is at stake.

Over a period, could captaincy make you change your game?

Look, with (additional) responsibility, one does act a bit more responsibly. However, I’m not going to change my natural game, because that alone has given me recognition and taken me to where I am. Main apni identity nahin khona chahta.

Don’t you agree that you haven’t exactly done justice to your talent?

You’re right, I accept that...

So, why haven’t you done justice?

To be honest, till a few years ago, I wasn’t that hard-working... I’d taken it for granted that my talent alone would help me perform... I made a mistake there... Allah gave me fame and money at a very young age and I got carried away by the recognition I’d been getting... Got carried away by the ‘wah-wahs’... But, to succeed, you’ve got to work very hard.

What was the turning point?

Around the time Bob Woolmer became the coach (summer of 2004)... I’d been dropped from the Pakistan team and it’s Bob who convinced the Board and the selectors to bring me back... Once I got back, Bob helped raise the level of my confidence. He made me feel like a match-winner... Also instilled the importance of training hard... Bob would say that if the preparation had been good, then it wouldn’t be difficult to accept failure. I’ll never forget Bob’s contribution to my career.

Nobody has forgotten your world record-creating 100 off 37 balls (against Sri Lanka) in your maiden ODI innings...

(Laughs) I tell people to talk of something else! Thirteen years have passed aur life bahut aage badh gayi hai.

Initially, at least, did that performance weigh you down?

Well, I’d take a lot of expectations-driven pressure... Often, the roar of the crowd and the demand for sixes would make me uneasy... I’d wonder what if I failed? I began to fear failure.

Then...

I decided to focus on my leg-spin and told myself I was a bowler first, not a batsman... That helped calm me and helped encourage a positive outlook. Even today, bowling is my priority.

Looking back, what have been the highlights of your career?

My Nairobi innings which made me the youngest centurion in ODIs, every win in India, winning the World T20 this June...

The most disappointing moment?

Losing in the 1999 World Cup final (to Australia) and exiting in the first-round of the 2007 World Cup... Believe me, those were very bad days.

Who was your hero?

Imran Khan... He wasn’t just a great cricketer, but had an awesome personality... His looks, the way he spoke... I’d also admire Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Saeed Anwar and Mark Waugh... Sachin ko TV mein dekhne se bahut mazaa aata tha...

Are you in touch with Imran?

I do speak to him occasionally... He congratulates me when I do well and, when I don’t, asks me to put in more effort... Asks me to lift myself and my game... He’s always positive.

What does a Pakistan-India match hold for you?

Such matches mean everything... Even if we don’t win the Champions Trophy, fans would be satisfied that we, at least, defeated India in the group stage... That’s the significance of beating India... Obviously, pressure on the players is more, especially if there has been a gap between matches... Jo log cricket nahin bhi jaante, woh bhi us din jaanne lagte hain... So, pressure is huge. Indeed, for many at home, the tournament may have ended with our win over India!

I assume the players, too, get much satisfaction...

Absolutely... A Pakistan-India match is such that no matter how big a player you are, you start from scratch in that game... You start from zero and have the opportunity to become a hero.

Why have you figured in controversies?

I didn’t set out to play any part in any controversy... Everybody doesn’t have to like everybody... Some captains and selectors have liked me, some haven’t... It has to be accepted as a part of life. Bottomline is that if you perform, then everybody likes you and, if you don’t, tab aap gharwalon ko bhi pasand nahin.

You’ve had the label of a playboy...

Early in my career, yes... I enjoyed my days as a bachelor and got married (to Nadia, a relative) when rather young, largely to bring about stability and discipline in my personal life. I have three daughters and I don’t like long tours.

Today’s Afridi, then, is quite different?

One changes with time... Today, outside cricket, I just wish to spend time with my begum and daughters... Today, wins on the cricket field bring enjoyment, not parties.

Is there something you wish to achieve?

I’d like to go out on my terms, with izzat, instead of being pushed out by the Board or the selectors... Then, I’d like to help win the 2011 World Cup... I’ve helped the country win the World T20, now the World Cup remains.

Finally... You have a huge following. What would you tell your young fans who’re into cricket?

If you want to make an impression, dream big... Cricket ke saath ishq karo... Also, respect your parents and, as important, always seek their blessings.