Afridi begs nation for forgiveness after poor World T20 performance

In a video posted online, veteran all-rounder apologises to the nation

Pakistan T20 captain Shahid Afridi begged the nation for forgiveness after his team was knocked out of the World Twenty20 at the group stage.

In a video posted online late Tuesday, the veteran all-rounder apologised to the nation for a poor show in the mega event. “Today, I would like to apologise to the whole nation for not performing to the standards of what was expected from us,” said Afridi.

“I just want to tell you all that I have represented this green colour for 20 years, and whenever I stepped into the field, I carried the emotions of the people of this country with me,” he continued.



“The national team did not constitute of eleven players, in fact it represented my whole country.”

The 36-year-old who refused to appear in front of the special committee also went on to say that he is only answerable to the Pakistani nation. “What will happen tomorrow or what people are saying, I swear to God, I don’t care about it because I am answerable to you all.”



The T20 captain’s statement comes after coach Waqar Younis apologised to the nation earlier on Tuesday before appearing in front of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Fact-Finding Committee, at Gaddfi Stadium, Lahore.

The 2009 champions have been widely blasted by fans following a lacklustre performance with just one victory against lowly ranked Bangladesh and big losses to India, New Zealand and Australia.

Team members were jeered on their return this weekend by huge crowds at Lahore airport, who chanted "Shame! Shame!"

Pakistan's early exit prompted a wave of criticism in the cricket mad country, with veterans like Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik singled out in particular.

Afridi is expected to make a decision about his future very soon.

Here are some twitter reaction to the released statement:

@SAfridiOfficial U r truly in ppl hearts, 20yrs of journey in crckt ws nvr less than a milestone bt u proved it in a legendary way.Hats off

— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) March 29, 2016

https://twitter.com/AltCricket/status/715047443684007936

Are people blind to see the love & dedication in #ShahidAfridi .It's crystal clear how he wants his nation happy by winning it for PAK only.

— Sana Ali Bhutto (@bhuttosana10) March 29, 2016

#ShahidAfridi no need of sorry its cricket any thing can happen other countries not let their heroes down why not Ab,Smith& Mathew say sorry

— Usman (@usmansatti93) March 29, 2016