“I will never become a burden on the team and will walk away if I am not up to the mark,” says Afridi.
Struggling all-rounder Shahid Afridi vowed to work hard to return to the Pakistan team after being axed from the 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in England.
The big-hitting all-rounder was earlier dropped for the One-Day Internationals (ODI) against India in December before returning for the five-match series against South Africa in March.
He failed to get a single wicket in the 3-2 defeat to the Proteas, but was the second top run-scorer with 126 behind Misbahul Haq on 227.
While chief selector Iqbal Qasim had earlier stated that the South Africa tour would be Afridi’s last chance, the official added that the all-rounder could still make a comeback if he improved his performance as the squad was announced for the UK tour.
Afridi said he had “ample cricket left in him” and he was confident of regaining his place in the team.
“Being in and out is a one-off thing,” said Afridi. “It happens to every player and I will soon stage a comeback because I believe in hard work and performance, so I don’t want to be bitter. I am still better than most.”
Asked about reports in Pakistani media blaming captain Misbah for his ouster, Afridi said, “It’s the captain’s will if he wants a player or not but I wish him and the team the best of luck for the Champions Trophy.”
Afridi said he wanted to play cricket with pride and respect.
“I know I have ample cricket left in me and I can represent Pakistan for the next few years. It’s not unusual that players get dropped but I appeal to my fans to pray for me.”
Afridi, who has 7,201 runs and 348 wickets in 354 ODIs, defended his lack of wickets in South Africa.
“When I was taking wickets, people used to say that I am not scoring runs and now it’s the other way round. I know where to improve and I will show improvement soon.
“I will never become a burden on the team and will walk away if I am not up to the mark.”
Pakistan will attend a tune-up camp in Abbottabad from tomorrow before heading to Britain, where they will warm up against Scotland and Ireland before featuring in the eight-nation Champions Trophy in England from June 6 to June 23.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 2nd, 2013.
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Tribune keeps doing articles on Afridi, what about Younis Khan, he was also not selected why not a article on him? Ahmed Shezad ? and many more.... So bad for you guys.