KARACHI: All-rounder Shahid Afridi has ended his contract with Australian Big Bash side Sydney Thunder despite being cleared to play in the Twenty20 league by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The PCB had earlier refused the former captain, along with star spinner Saeed Ajmal and batsman Umar Akmal, permission to play in the league before reversing its decision on Monday following a request from Australian cricket authorities.
But Afridi insisted he would rather play in Pakistan's domestic league as he struggles to recapture the form that made him one cricket's best all-rounders in limited overs but which has deserted him in recent times.
"I have ended my contract in the Big Bash league, because I want to play in the national event to improve my form and justify my selection in the team," he said.
Earlier PCB spokesman said the three players would be allowed to play in the Big Bash following a request from Cricket Australia that said they had already signed their contracts.
"We will allow these players to go to Australia at the end of our Twenty20 tournament around December 8," Sarwar told AFP, adding that the players will have to return for the national camp for the Indian tour.
Ajmal signed for Adelaide Strikers and Umar Akmal for Sydney Sixers.
Pakistan will play India in two Twenty20 matches and three one-day internationals between December 25 and January 6 - the two countries' first series since 2007.
COMMENTS (16)
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Winning hearts and minds where it matters........................good move for his image, especially at this stage where he is struggling.
Lala, We Love YOU !!!!!!
He made correct decision for not playing big bash league as he is out of form since a long time. Secondly these international leagues require performance rather than advertisement/popularity unlike PCB; which is a divine institution for relativity and gives numerous chances to popular/relative cricketers. Therefore one bad season will affect his earnings along with reduced chances to play for second season. So, despite of all these aforementioned strategies by Mr. Afridi; playing in domestic league will create his positive image not only in PCB but he’ll become hero of nation as well for preferring domestic league.
Sorry but I think he is hesitant that he would be able to perform in this high class tournament and that too on Australian pitches. On Pakistani dead tracks, he will be much more comfortable. So a good decision to get back into the form but he needs to get rid of the 'fear' he has been suffering from a long time.
Afridi please retire bro. You have served well, why hold onto a position when we can bring and groom some youngster in your place.
Respect.............................................................. Lala you rock
Little things like these, win your hearts.
PCB and players have proven themselves as most unreliable parties. Who would contract with them in future?
Zardari should take a lesson
An example set, when nation is above dollars. Well done Afridi.
Love you, Afridi...
First sensible decision. Kudos to his advisors for putting some sense in a non-thinking attitude.
make minds First , MAD Minded PCB and MAD cricketers.