Shahid Afridi calls it a day in International cricket
Former Pakistan captain Afridi wants to devote more time to his Foundation
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Shahid Afridi announces international retirement | Image: Cricket.com.au[/caption]
Internet Desk: Shahid Afridi has decided to hang his boots from International cricket. The former Pakistan captain announced his decision in a press conference immediately after his 28 ball 54 runs for Karachi Kings in PSL. Afridi has played 398 ODI’S, 98 T20I’s and 27 test matches.
“I have already said goodbye; I am just playing this for my fans. For me, my foundation is more important. I have played for my country professionally and have done whatever I could,” he said to the reporters in the post match conference.
On being asked whether he still wants a farewell match, Afridi said, “I have said this before as well, whatever cricket is left in me, I will continue playing league cricket for my fans, I am not playing these matches for any comeback [to international cricket] I am playing it for my fans and I am enjoying it.”
It is learnt that the former Pakistan captain will devote more time to his Foundation
The dashing all-rounder played his last international match for Pakistan in ICC World T20 in India.
The 36-year-old cricketer had already quit Tests in 2010 and ODI cricket after the 2015 World Cup. He stepped down as captain after the first round exit at the 2016 World T20 tournament in India.
Afridi had wanted to play a farewell Twenty20 match against West Indies in United Arab Emirates in September. But the Pakistan selectors preferred to go ahead with young players.
Afridi’s record in test cricket is not that impressive compared to the shorter format. He scored 1,176 runs from 27 test matches, with a highest score of 156 runs. He also claimed 48 wickets.
The former Pakistan captain played 398 one-day internationals with 8,064 runs, a highest score of 124 while taking 395 wickets with his leg spin.
His Twenty20 international CV saw him play 98 matches with 1,405 runs and a career-leading 97 wickets.
