'I wanted to give away the opportunity for upcoming youngsters' - Asghar Afghan on his decision to retire

The former Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan announced his retirement from international cricket just before the team’s game against Namibia. He made this decision whilst the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 and is playing his last game for the nation against Namibia. He stated that he took this decision with the view of providing more opportunities to the youngsters.

Afghan played valuable innings of 31 off 23 balls against Namibia. This allowed the side to put a competitive total on board for the opposition. The team is scheduled to play New Zealand and India next in the mega event. However, the former captain wouldn’t be a part of these fixtures.

“I wanted to give away the opportunity for the upcoming youngsters and we’ve played some best cricket but this is a good opportunity for youngsters to come forward. Most of the people have been asking the same question to me, something it’s hard to explain but from the last game it was hard on us and that’s why I’ve decided to leave cricket at this stage,” Asghar Afghan said during the mid-innings break.

It’s very difficult to decide for retirement: Asghar Afghan

Afghan has featured in six Tests, 114 ODIs, and 76 T20Is for Afghanistan. He has had an impressive stint as captain of the side. He surpassed MS Dhoni’s record in terms of most T20I wins as a captain. As he walked onto the field for his final game, the players bid him farewell by giving him a guard of honor. Opening up on his retirement he asserted that it was a difficult decision to retire.

“Plenty of memories but it’s very difficult to decide for retirement, I know there are plenty of legends in the cricket watching me but this is a difficult time to explain but I have to retire,” Asghar Afghan added.

Talking about the group Afghanistan is placed in, Pakistan currently finds itself at the top of the table having won all their three matches in the tournament so far. Afghanistan too started their campaign on a winning note by securing a thumping victory against Scotland. However, they had to face defeat against the in-form Men in Green. Taking on the challenge against Namibia, the Mohammad Nabi-led side exuded some great character to dominate the proceedings.