Less than a month after lifting the Pakistan Super League (PSL) trophy with Peshawar Zalmi, Shahid Afridi, on Friday (March 24), announced his decision to part ways with the franchise due to ‘personal reasons’.
The former Pakistan skipper had led the team in the inaugural season where the Peshawar-based outfit finished the group stage at the top of the table before losing both of the qualifying games. However, the maverick all-rounder handed over the reins to Darren Sammy for the recently concluded season. The decision proved to be a masterstroke as the World T20-winning skipper led the Zalmi to their maiden PSL title.
The 37-year old took to Twitter to announce the news. Wishing the team luck, he tweeted:“Won the trophy with one team, time for another. I am announcing my end of service as president and player of Peshawar Zalmi team due to personal reasons.”
Won d ? with 1 team,Time for another.Im announcing my end of service as president&player of PeshawarZalmi Team due to my personal reasons1/2
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 24, 2017
“My best wishes with Peshawar Zalmi nd as far as my Peshawar fans r concerned I know they are with me wherever I go,” he added.
My best wishes with Peshawar Zalmi nd as far as my Peshawar fans r concerned I know they are with me wherever i go.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 24, 2017
Meanwhile, Sammy expressed his surprise over Afridi’s sudden decision.
Was a pleasure playing with u buddy.. although I'm in shock that you leaving…@JAfridi10 https://t.co/gSzy1E9Mxj
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) March 25, 2017
Afridi scored 177 runs in 10 matches in the recently concluded season of the PSL in addition to taking 2 wickets.