Shahid Afridi decides to retire from T20I cricket

36-year-old has represented Pakistan in 98 T20Is, claiming 97 wickets and scoring 1405 runs

LAHORE: Former skipper Shahid Afridi has finally decided to call it quits after an illustrious 20-year career representing Pakistan in the international arena.

According to a member of the national selection committee, the 36-year-old, who retired from ODI cricket after World Cup last year, has contacted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for a farewell match in the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies in United Arab Emirates.

However, the final decision will be taken by board chairman Shaharyar Khan, who is currently in London undergoing a medical treatment.

Afridi represented Pakistan in 98 T20Is, claiming 97 wickets and scoring 1405 runs at an average of over 18. He captained the national team in 43 matches in the shortest format of the game, winning 19 and losing 23.

The star all-rounder resigned from the captaincy after the Asia Cup T20 and World T20 tournaments, where the Men in Green managed to win just three out of eight matches.

Earlier, during an exhibition match on Friday, Afridi reiterated his desire to represent the national side in 20-over format.

“I am currently focusing on performing in domestic and county cricket,” he said. “However, when I feel I cannot play anymore, I will retire on my own terms rather than allowing anyone to throw me out.”

The 36-year-old also criticised the media for labelling cricketers on the basis of just one good or bad performance.

“Our media makes a hero out of a player on the basis of just one performance and at times they pull down a senior player with 20+ years of experience after one match or one series,” he said.