Shahid Afridi just can not stay away from the headlines - be it through his on-field show or off-field statements.
After a mediocre series with bat and ball in the five One-Day Internationals (ODI) against Sri Lanka, Afridi has announced that retirement – and not for the first time – is under consideration to pave the way for a younger player in the team. The all-rounder said a decision will be made after consulting with family and friends.
“It’s all about living up to expectations,” Afridi told The Express Tribune. “The fans love us and pray for our success but if we shatter their hopes with a poor performance in return then we should think about our future.
“As far as I am concerned, I’m not satisfied with my contribution to the team.”
‘Seniors should re-think future’
Afridi, who played a key role in Pakistan overpowering Sri Lanka 4-1 in the UAE last year, had a poor return this time around — scoring 28 runs at an average of less than 10 and taking three wickets at over 48.
“I’m assessing my standing and consulting my family. If I feel I’m not good enough then I will step down to give a youngster the chance. Other senior players should also consider this as it will help in forming a squad for the 2015 World Cup.”
The former captain, however, said he has no plans to retire from the Twenty20 format, saying he can serve the country for a long time.
Afridi may delay county stint
The player, who was supposed to leave for England soon after the ODI series, might delay his stint for Hampshire at the Friends life Twenty20.
“I have some domestic commitments. I haven’t obtained my visa yet because of which I may delay joining the county.”
Pakistan disarray gives Sri Lanka edge
Meanwhile, in Galle, Sri Lanka will look to improve their dismal Test record over the past year when they take on a self-destructing Pakistan side in a three-match series.
Sri Lanka have won just two of their last 14 Tests and lost six, but remain a force on home soil where they drew a two-match series against top-ranked England.
“The Test series was always going to be a big challenge,” said Jayawardene. “But winning is a good habit to have, so hopefully we can continue this momentum.”
Misbah, ruled out of the first Test after being suspended due to a slow over-rate in the final ODI, hoped the team’s past Test performances will help them put the defeats behind them.
“We need to start afresh,” he said. “We have done well in Tests in the last two years. We need to recall those performances.” (with additional input from afp)
Published In The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2012.
COMMENTS (8)
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@Aka: Well, the joke is on you--- Afridi still has fans around the world, is still loved by millions, is still bringing in the fans to cricket games, is still being surrounded by fans as he performs charity work around the globe, and is still earning lots of money, which is more than what most of us have accomplished in our lives so far....
@Vishnu Dutta: Too bad you were not around for Afridi to punch - Your attempt at being witty shows your lack of common sense. If you were in Afridi's position, and you have a daughter being trampled by an out of control crowd, would you stand there posing for photos smiling, signing autographs for fans, while your daughter's safety is at risk? Wouldn't you be reacting with anger? Shahid Afridi had a quick reaction as a father. Shah Rukh Khan had a similar reaction not too long ago when a security guard touched his daughter. Most fathers will not stay calm when their daughter's are being man-handled/hurt.
Afridi is a joker..he hs made retirement as a joke..
Atleast the Big-Hearted man didnt punch the media man this time during the interview.
Good Decision, at least some one retires with honour and dignity in Pakistan Cricket rather than being dropped from the team. Afridi works well in T20 format. Good Luck Afridi.
Afridi is a name that still continue to become the headlines because of his initial success. When he started his career, he made huge success, but after 2 years he was like any other player. But he still considers himself the big hitter and still tries to clear the rope in the first ball he faces. RESULT- He becomes a big burden o the team. Afridi must see how Sachin shaped his career. Sachin understood his capabilities and changed his technique with age. Sachin too started his career as a hitter but later turned himself into a sweet timer of the ball rather than clean hitter of the ball. So if Afridi cannot change himself then he should retire and promise not to come out of that retirement again.
Winning and losing is part of life, Shahid Afridi is no stranger to this fact of life. Shahid Afridi is one of the most loved cricketers in the country, so if he takes a back seat in cricket, the game will not be the same. Cricket is bland without the spice of Shahid Afridi :)