KARACHI:
Shahid Afridi is not sulking after being overlooked for captaincy after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to stick with Misbahul Haq for the 50-over format while handing Mohammad Hafeez the captain’s arm-band for the shortest format of the game.
The experienced all-rounder and former captain was a leading candidate to replace Misbah but had vowed to back Hafeez after the snub. Afridi retired from Test cricket one match into his comeback in 2010 after being handed the reigns by Ijaz Butt. He issued a conditional retirement last year in protest of the PCB stripping him of captaincy in One-Day Internationals and Twenty20s.
“No doubt leading a national side is a big honour,” Afridi, who has played 342 ODIs and 48 Twenty20s, told The Express Tribune. “But I have no complaints and am ready to play for Pakistan under any captain whether it is Misbah, Shoaib Malik or Hafeez. My aim is to play for my country which is a huge honour. I wish Hafeez the best of luck with his role. I have supported him in crisis before and he will have all my support as the captain again.
“These players have played under me and I have no issues playing under them.”
Hopes to repeat form against Sri Lanka
Afridi said he was not desperate for captaincy and preparing for the Sri Lanka tour was his only focus in the recent days.
“I had a bad series against England but I recovered in the Asia Cup. Now I am looking for an improved show and eyeing key contribution for Pakistan.”
The all-rounder picked up the man-of-the-series award in the ODI series against Sri Lanka in the UAE - his first series after reversing his conditional retirement – including an all-round match-winning show in Sharjah where he scored a half-century and took five wickets.
“I am working very hard and never miss my training. Hopefully, I’ll do well against Sri Lanka once again,” said Afridi before endorsing the PCB’s decision to name separate teams for all formats, hoping for improved results.
No bowling coach named in tour list
The PCB named a nine-member team management for the tour of Sri Lanka but fell short of confirming whether a bowling coach will be selected or not. While a PCB official confirmed that the squad may proceed without one, the coach hunt committee chief Intikhab Alam was not available for comment. Naveed Akram Cheema was retained as manager while Shahid Aslam will be his deputy.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 12th, 2012.
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@Rehman: Just finished reading your comments. Every cricketer has their good days and bad days - Shahid Afridi is a human being, not a robotic machine that you can program to generate sixes mechanically. That being said, I still stand with the viewpoint that Shahid Afridi is a lovely, wonderful human being. Keep in mind no human being on earth is perfect.
@Gultasib Khan: Yes, this reason of Shahid Afridi not being bought out/sold out/succumb to bribe that you stated is just one of many reasons why I love Shahid Afridi so much. He is a very unique man and holds special place in my heart :)
@Afridi's Angel: Afridi is one of the Great Player Pakistan ever produced.as Muzar Majeed stated in UK Court that Afrdi can not be bought at any price.Saeed Ajmal& Younis Khan were only two other players who were not Mazar Majeed payrolls.(of course only three were found Guilty) People like Misbah.Hafeez and others recalled in pakistan team on condition that they will obey the instruction from the bookies favorite son from Sailkot. Pakistan lost the world cup because Multani prince fixed that Match.
G.Khan Walsall uk
@Afridi's Angel: This is Afridis performance against Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies since the magical "4th Feb 2007" Link: http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/42639.html?class=2;filter=advanced;opposition=1;opposition=2;opposition=3;opposition=4;opposition=5;opposition=6;opposition=8;orderby=default;spanmin1=4+Feb+2007;spanval1=span;template=results;type=allround Now look at the bowling average! 36 fantastic average? A mediocre player averages in late 30.
This is his stats against Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies through out his career Link: http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/42639.html?class=2;filter=advanced;opposition=1;opposition=2;opposition=3;opposition=4;opposition=5;opposition=6;opposition=8;orderby=default;template=results;type=bowling
His bowling average against; India 58 South Africa 39 New Zealand 48 Sri Lanka and West Indies 35 These averages can be seen in the above link!
What happens to Afridi when he play against top playing nations?
bilal what will you do after afridi retires?
Afredi you are a great player, We love you ,please do not ever take captaincy you are not made for it. Be happy and please do not interfere in captains business.
To all who criticize Afridi: Shahid Afridi is primarily concerned with doing his best for his country and his team---he is not power hungry---is is just hungry to play well and give his best efforts for team victory---May Shahid Afridi always be blessed :)
Correspondent bhai..y r u worried about afridi? Pls go and intetview our new captain!!!
So says the biggest politician Pakistan cricket has ever seen.
If I were Hafeez (and of course, Misbah), I'd watch my back very carefully with Shahid Afridi around.
For once Afridi you are right. No worry for Pakistan that you would open your mouth again for no reason.