Various former cricketers have called the senior all-rounder a spent force following Pakistan’s campaign that ended with a semi-final defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka. Afridi had a nightmarish run in the tournament, failing with both bat and ball. However, the all-rounder said people should not judge him on the basis of one poor event and added that his influence as a team member should also be taken into account.
“I didn’t go to play squash,” Afridi told reporters in Karachi. “I went as a team member and people should asses my performance as a team member. The people who are criticising me should also look at my performance in the past three years. No player continues to be on top throughout his life. Good and bad patches come.”
Afridi hits out at ‘Salman Butt’
Afridi, without naming banned cricketer Salman Butt, assailed the former captain for his television comments against him.
Butt, who is serving an International Cricket Council ban after being convicted in a spot-fixing scam, targeted Afridi on a television show during the World Twenty20.
“I think media organisations should look at the credibility of a person before they invite him. “How can a man who brought shame to the country make comments about national cricketers. This man has damaged our country’s image and damaged Mohammad Amir’s career as well.”
Meanwhile, the all-rounder said he will bounce back and overcome his lean patch.
“I am working hard. I did the same before the World Twenty20 but I am still hopeful that I will bounce back soon.”
Speaking on speculations about his retirement plans, the all-rounder said he will not waste time and will hang up his boots when he feels like a burden on the team.
PCB takes notice of Afridi’s media interaction
Meanwhile, the PCB took notice of Afridi’s interaction with the media.
According to a PCB official, the board has sought details of statements given by the all-rounder to reporters.
“He was suppose to speak on matches and his other comments are being assessed,” said the board official. “Nothing can be said about disciplinary action against him at the moment.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 20th, 2012.
COMMENTS (26)
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Afridi is those... ..who have a record of fastest century,many main of the match award from any other pakistani crickiter,he is king of sixer,T2O hero etc............................................. ARE U ALL SEE THIS HANDSOME KHAN IF NOT SEE THIS ...THEN SHAMED ON U ALL...
and what did you do, CHEW the ball in front of 20 camera, isn't that was cheating the game and country!
@Rehman: very well said, in fact he has always performed, or tried, when he was on the edge of being dropped from a match. There is a saying People who stay stuck in history usually are in museums - would he prefer waxed or stuffed?
Inconsistency in cricket is exciting when you deliver every other match. When your delivery rate in 1 in 6 matches exciting is the last thing you can call it.
“..How can a man who brought shame to the country make comments about national cricketers. This man has damaged our country’s image ........”
How about chewing on the ball like an apple in front of 10s of live tv camera in australia and trying to hide behind a player while doing it? Or dancing on the pitch like Michael jackson? That wasn't shameful? or bad for for country's image?
Fact is afridi is way overrated brainless player. Every time he comes to bat, people expect a "boom" "boom" performance but ends up getting a whimper because of brainless shot.
Yup, Likewise we should look at the historical performances of Sir Don Bradman and dig his corpse out of his grave as well 8)
He should learn from Dravid and Laxman. I doubt whether he ever received the level of respect that these players achieved from world-class opposition.
and he dug the on which match was still being played.. one of his past shows.
Past show by afridi ?? I saw him eating a ball in Perth telecast live. I wonder why you guys go onto the ground with empty stomach.,
By the post show, if you mean that 100 you scores on 30+ balls; Standing Ovation. But between 1996 and 2012, which show are you exactly referring to?
@Iqbal:
And his initial excuse was
Come on! Afridi you smell the ball from you teeth
I have said it before.... Afridi has run his race and delivered what was asked of him at the time. Now the time has come for him to bow out. We do not forget the past performances. Which is why it pains us to see him under perform. Afridi should do his fans a favor and leave while their memories resonate with "Boom, boom" rather than cringe at "fail, fail". Its a pity that thar there are no senior mentors for Pakistan team, who can advise them on when its time to let go.
Past show...hunh..then we should make a team now with Imran, Miandad, Zaheer,Akram...and so on. Retire now with dignity or you should be kicked out.
The picture says it all
He has the poorest average for someone who has crossed 6000 runs. Pakistan has given him too many chances .
Afridi trolls should stop pushing him . He should retire gracefully
‘People should look at my past show as well’: Afridi‘ Damn right. I remember you were caught biting a ball while playing against England. You are a cheat.
Your days are over, you are a spent force. go graciously before you are kicked out.
Dude, tell me one thing, why your scene of shame vanished during the game?
Are you kidding me motor mouth? Your past show was also mediocre, you only scores against minnows
So much for the PCB for telling Afridi not to talk to media. Afridi is still a great player against mediocre opposition especially as a spinner. This weak opposition is a great chance for him to shine when nothing is at stake and no pressure. After this moment under the sun he should hang up and go out with dignity. When the nation can simply drop a great player like Yusuf forever, big mouth Afridi is no gem anymore.
Its a profession and you get paid when you're in form .. I agree one shouldn't disrespect or make fun of Afridi as he is an asset of this country and has served a lot. But he needs to take rest for few months to bounce back. He is a match winner and will continue to perform. Its his bad patch and hopefully he'll perform again. Those channels who have been inviting disgraceful people like Salman Butt should be given a ban. Those three cheaters almost got us banned by the ICC and we as usual did not bother to punish them for not only doing a crime (bribery) but also disgracing our country.
Shahid Afridi should try and understand that the nation at large and cricket fans in particular have actually been giving him a chance for the past few years on the basis of certain historical performances. But he should understand that he, like everyone human being, is dispensible, and there is a time to "Bow Out". He should savour the respect bestowed on him rather fall prey to his ego and vanity.
Bet against Afridi that great performer will not score fifty or more. You will win nine times out of ten.
We love you Afridi