Shahid Afridi drops retirement plan, steps down as captain

Published - 03 Apr 2016, 16:10 IST | Updated - 03 Apr 2016, 16:10 IST

2 Min Read

Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi who is now more known for announcing and revoking his retirement has done it again. Afridi who had earlier stated that he intends to retire from international cricket following his team’s World T20 2016 campaign in a statement released on his twitter account said that he wishes to step down as the captain of the Pakistan T20 team but would like to continue as a player.

Afridi said, “Today I wish to inform my fans in Pakistan & all over the world that I am relinquishing the captaincy of the T20 Pakistani team of my own volition.”

“On this day, I thank Allah (SWT) for His Kindness and Mercy which enabled me to discharge my leadership duties, to the best of my abilities, for the sake of honour and prestige of my motherland.

He said it was a great honour to lead the national team and thanked the PCB chief for having faith in him. “For me it was a great honour to lead my country in all the three formats of the game. My profound thanks to the PCB and its chairman Mr. Shahryar Khan Sb. who gave me the honour to lead the national team. “

Afridi said though he would like to step down from the role of captain, wants to continue to render his services to the nation as a player. “I would also like to inform that Insha Allah I intend to continue to play the game for my country and league cricket ect.., and request my fans for kindly keep praying and supporting me for my best future performances for Pakistan (as a player); and in all other arenas of the game, world over.”

Interestingly it should be noted that the PCB chief Sharyar Khan had earlier said that it was because Afridi had promised to retire after the World T20 that PCB let him lead the team.

The decision is sure to attract a lot of reaction to it, would be interesting to see how his fans and critics look at it.