Shahid Afridi. PHOTO: AFP
"Being in and out is a one-off thing. It happens to every cricket player and I will soon stage a comeback because I believe in hard work and performance, so I don't want to be bitter," Afridi told AFP.
The big-hitting all-rounder was earlier dropped for the one-day series against India in December-January before returning for the five one-dayers 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.
"I am still better than most," said Afridi.
Asked about reports in media blaming captain Misbah for his ousting, Afridi said: "It's 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," he said.
Afridi, who has 7,201 runs and 348 wickets in 354 one-days, defended his lack of wickets in one-day internationals.
"When I was taking wickets, people used to say that I am not scoring runs and now it's the other way round," he said. "I know where to improve and I will show improvement soon.
"I will never become a burden on the team and walk away if I am not up to the mark," said Afridi who will play Twenty20 cricket for English county Hampshire in July.
Pakistan's chief selector Iqbal Qasim said Afridi's career was not ended.
"We don't believe that a dropped player is over the hill. Afridi's career is not over, he can stage a comeback by performing well at the domestic level like all other players," Qasim said on Monday.
Pakistan will attend a tune-up camp in Abbottabad from Friday 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 6-23.
COMMENTS (8)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1714024018-0/ModiLara-(1)1714024018-0-270x192.webp)
Afridi still has the ability to change the game with his performance. I am sure he will be back!
Ali Khan
Afridi will make a comeback in the 2015 CWC finals and will win it for Pakistan... I think!! :D
Afridi is off course a good player. He is an asset to Pakistan Cricket. But his drop out from the squad is also understandble. Infact he was not performing satisfactory. It means that he lacks somthing which he must improve. Afridi Must focus on bowling as well as batting. He must have to improve his stimina for Batting. Must focus on temper.. Good luck for Afridi in future...
^ Burner LOLLLL
and Afridi will perform in the england t20 county than make his come back in the pakistani squad ull seE :)
Please don't.
Afridi is still 18. He can make a comeback whenever he wants.
Still don't UNDERSTAND y AFRADI axed from NATIONAL TEAM? By playing in domestic level he is eligible for INTERNATIONAL CRICKET?if he score and take wickets in DOMESTIC CRICKET........ SIR,THERE IS DIFFERENCE IN domestic bowlers and bats men and INTERNATIONAL bowlers and bats men and pitch is main diffrence.
For God's sake, keep him out once and for all. There so much talent among the youths. Since we know he will go for ducks, better bring in new youngsters.His concentration is more on his ads than playing cricket for the country.