Shahid Afridi rules out immediate international retirement
Ā© Official FB- Afridi
Shahid Afridi has expressed his desire to continue playing for Pakistan in overs-limit cricket, putting an end to speculation of his imminent international retirement after the 36-year-old all-rounder had reportedly requested for a farewell match from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
āI don't think my career is over and I am enjoying myself and I will continue to play at the highest level. As far as Pakistan selection is concerned that is for the selectors to decide,ā the former Pakistan skipper told PTI news agency.
āI have played 20 years of international cricket for Pakistan and not the PCB. And I am not dependent on anyone for a match. The love and support I have got and get from my well-wishers and fans are enough reward for me,ā added Afridi, who played in the recently concluded Bangladesh Premier League.
Afridiās last international game was in the ICC World T20 held in India earlier this year, and the firebrand cricketer stepped down as skipper following a disappointing campaign as well as announced his intention to retire from the shortest format.
Afridiās 398th and last ODI was at the 50-World Cup last year, where Pakistan lost in the quarter-finals to the hosts at the Adelaide Oval. His last Test was back in 2010.
Senior PCB official Najam Sethi has said he had no issues with Afridi and admired his services to Pakistan cricket. The cricketer would also be given a befitting farewell from the board when the time came, Sethi told PTI.
