Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has claimed that he is too experienced a player to ask for a retirement match from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and also cleared the air about him hanging up his boots either.
Once the batting sensation in world cricket, Shahid Afridi has come out and defended himself amid the speculations of him seeking for a retirement match from PCB, which was initially denied by Inzamam-ul-Haq led selection committee prior to the West Indies series. Deflecting some pressure, Afridi said he is satisfied with the amount of love he has received from his countrymen and would take that as a reward.
“I have played 20 years of international cricket for Pakistan and not the PCB. And I am not dependent on anyone for a match. The love and support I have got and get from my well wishers and fans is enough reward for me.”
Najam Sethi, PCB’s official, who had a role to play in denying Shahid Afridi his farewell T20 game against West Indies in the series in UAE, said he had no personal issues with the flamboyant all-rounder and admitted that he has always admired his game too. Afridi, who played his last T20 game in ICC World T20 said he still enjoys exploring the format, given the conditions and style suits his natural game.
He also took a dig at his critics saying his playing career isn’t over yet and his selection has completely to do with the selectors and not him.
“I don’t think my career is over and I am enjoying myself and I will continue to play at the highest level. As far as Pakistan selection is concerned that is for the selectors to decide,” Afridi concluded.