Seniors should either step up or step down: Shahid Afridi

E-Paper | June 12, 2026

Pakistan's T20 captain and seasoned all-rounder Shahid Afridi has said that senior members of the national cricket team should either step up their game or step down themselves to give a chance to new budding players, DawnNews reported.

Following an unimpressive performance during the World Cup and the sole T20 International match played between Pakistan and Bangladesh, the mercurial all-rounder offered to retire from all formats of the game saying he 'did not want to be a burden for the team'.

Read: My decision is final: Afridi

The 34-year-old had recently bowed out of ODIs with his dreams unfulfilled as Pakistan crashed out in the 2015 World Cup quarter-finals against Australia.

His comments follow Pakistan's 0-3 ODI whitewash, and a loss in the only T20 international played during the ongoing tour of Bangladesh.

He had earlier called upon fans to be patient during the team's 'rebuilding' phase.

Also read: Pakistan cricket at lowest point in international history: Ramiz Raja

Following the drubbing of the Green-shirts at the hands of Bangladesh, Pakistan cricket has been said to be at it at its lowest ebb in international history with Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Shahryar Khan admitting that the country's entire cricketing structure was flawed.

Also read: PCB chairman admits country's cricketing system is 'completely flawed'

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Ramna Q Venkat

Apr 27, 2015 11:30am

He should not retire from T20 he has excellent potential in the shortest format.

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Arshad

Apr 27, 2015 11:31am

I think it is time or Hafeez to retire not him...

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ibrahim

Apr 27, 2015 11:34am

Why cannot you either step down? as i know you can never step up :(

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Azam Jamil

Apr 27, 2015 11:35am

Thank you so much Mr. Shahryar Khan for letting us know that the system is flawed. Can you please also tell us who is getting paid to set it right?

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Azam Jamil

Apr 27, 2015 11:36am

Mr. Afridi. Please spare us the lecture. Retire with dignity. You'll do us and Pakistan cricket a favour.

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Azam Jamil

Apr 27, 2015 11:38am

Living in past glory is our most fatal flaw. The Australians won the World Cup and the next day they were normal cricketers reporting for IPL duty. The World Cup for them is over! They will move forward. We, on the other hand, are still living in Melbourne in 1992.

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Rashed farhan

Apr 27, 2015 11:39am

good decision

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Pakistani

Apr 27, 2015 11:42am

Hope he does not change his mind.

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Parvez

Apr 27, 2015 11:47am

Afridi stands disgraced........he should have stepped down long ago allowing young blood to come forward.

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spade

Apr 27, 2015 11:48am

Look who is talking if that guy would have stepped down pak would have produced a star

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Rogers Evans

Apr 27, 2015 11:49am

Afridi should be brought back in ODI squad as Captain for another 2 years at least. He should develop the youngsters with his knowledge of the game. Azhar should remain as his deputy and learn the agressiveness as captain. PCB should not lose seniors like Afridi, Hafeez , Gul and others. We can rebuild new talent with the help of these seniors. Just all new youngsters in the team will never develop as good players as they need guidance. In my view Misbah should take over as national coach instead of absolute failure Waqar Younis. Non-cricketers should be let go from PCB for good.

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kabir

Apr 27, 2015 11:50am

Still offering to retire????

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Asim Iqbal

Apr 27, 2015 11:51am

Younas Khan should be made captain in test and ODIs.

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Tahir A

Apr 27, 2015 11:54am

'did not want to be a burden for the team' With due respect, inconsiderate crowds wanting to see you hit sixes all the time and you consistently failing to deliver, you yourself have been a huge burden for the team and management. Please admit your own under performance.

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jdshami

Apr 27, 2015 11:55am

Afridi, its time for u to step down, u r no good

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Azam Jamil

Apr 27, 2015 11:56am

Mr. Afridi. You don't offer to retire. You just do. What would you like? An all Pakistan referendum?

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Amir

Apr 27, 2015 12:00pm

System can not be changed over night. How it all went wrong and is it changing: 1. Bad leadership by then captain Misbah and Hafeez. They made sure that there would be no replacement for them and this was the reason they never allowed young talent to come through. I can remember Harris Sohail was with the team for such a long time and Misbah has not picked him in a single game and was trying his best to sideline so is the thing he has done with Fawad Alam. 2. New players have been given chance since Misbah departure but it is very difficult to get a replacement for all the 11 players as none seems like from oldies is performing so it is not a fault of a new PCB team. 3. Our main back bone in the bowling was Saeed Ajmal from last couple of years and since he is not effective any more so we are unable to perform in bowling as well. It is very difficult to find a replacement for Ajmal so we might suffer in bowling for sometime. Amir might provide some relief but unlike Ajmal.

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Abul Hsanat

Apr 27, 2015 12:00pm

Is it not coming a little too late? What took you so long to say this?

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CRICKETER

Apr 27, 2015 12:02pm

He should have been sacked much earlier if was not stepping down with grace. His presence will damage more as he has been occupying an all rounder's slot in national team for decades without any performance have spoiled carriers of many bright young all rounders . After every failure he repeats the same script as if his performance has been consistent. He is is most inconsistent player Pakistan cricket ever produced . Why he has never been near the quality of AB de-Villiars , Kholi , Maxwell etc. after playing so many international matches ?

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Saba

Apr 27, 2015 12:08pm

Spare us the lecture and set an example if you really mean your words. After all, you are the most senior player in the team! But why would you step down from a post (captaincy) you shamelessly ran after despite being no good at it? Your T20 record as captain speaks volumes of your aptitude for the position.

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High

Apr 27, 2015 12:12pm

Parvez, what young blood, Ahmed Shehzad scored 17 runs out of 31 balls in the T20 match, forget it. I would rather have Afridi in the team then some of the youngsters.

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ahmad

Apr 27, 2015 12:19pm

I think the entire pakistan team should step down and stop cricket for few years, let the youngsters from high school grow up and then make a team from those players. If Afridi retires from the team then who is there to replace him. Sorry those youngsters couldn't win a game for you, if bangladesh could crack them hard then forget about Aus, Ind, SA etc. let younas khan, shahid afridi and shoaib malik play for few years and train youngester with these three. also please bring javed miandad as a coach. waqar younis a flop cricketer himself how he could train others. One thing Afridi is the second Highest MAN OF THE MATCH prize winner in ODI cricket with tons of records and one of the greatest impact player of world cricket. his match winning innings should always be remembered. He is a super star and guess he is so Famous here in San Francisco California as well and everyone know him. A brave superstar internationally known, Long Live LALA.....

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Nakko

Apr 27, 2015 12:23pm

Emotional decision by Lala, you are still the best in T20. Please take back the decision and groom our youngsters for attacking cricket ... otherwise Misbah's mentality will prevail in all format of cricket We want skipper with hating to lose attitude (Attacking Captains) not to be afraid of losing (defensive skippers).

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IKRAM ABIDI

Apr 27, 2015 12:29pm

Don't "offer"...dude! Just "do it"!

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Kashif

Apr 27, 2015 12:31pm

Very good decision. Go home.. you have played for 19 years. Give chance to other and say bye with honor and respected way.

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Sachin

Apr 27, 2015 12:38pm

Paheley aap...

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Krezy

Apr 27, 2015 12:38pm

Retirement is not offered by retiree... He just needs to announce it...

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SNA

Apr 27, 2015 12:39pm

@Asim Iqbal It appears we have not learnt as yet. Instead of putting new blood we have been still proposing for old guns.

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ZAHIR ORAKZAI

Apr 27, 2015 12:41pm

he is a pathan, he will stand by his words.

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Rehan

Apr 27, 2015 12:42pm

Its now time for you to practice what you preach, step down and set the example ...

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A Pakistani_Ireland

Apr 27, 2015 12:45pm

Don't forget that you are also senior and you must need to step down.

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Sarcasm

Apr 27, 2015 12:46pm

yea man drop Hafeez drop Afridi. do you know they are number 2 and number 3 ranked cricketers in t20. Afridi is still ranked number 7 in ODIs. It will be a disaster if afridi steps down from t20 captaincy.

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Ahmer

Apr 27, 2015 12:53pm

A question to everybody who has a bit of right knowledge about cricket. Are these so called young players not the reason of this latest embarrassment. Seniors should only step down if there is pool of talent waiting for their turn. Young players are not more than a crap at the moment so a match winner like Afridi is far better than the. There is a lot of opportunity for young players anyways as most of the seniors are already gone. Afridi should be the captain of odi as well so we can find and groom some talent meanwhile.

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Mukhtar

Apr 27, 2015 12:59pm

senior players should be call back in national team, like Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Mallik, Imran Nazir, Akmal's brothers etc. and let juniors play in the guidance of senior players.

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Mukhtar

Apr 27, 2015 01:00pm

@Ramna Q Venkat Seniors players should come back, like Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Mallik, Imran Nazir, Akmal's Brothers, and let juniors play in guidance with Seniors

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Ample Reverence For Saudi Arab & Pak Army

Apr 27, 2015 01:03pm

These are people and unbridled media who pampered these guys like Afridi & Hafeez, who have been good for nothing with very pitiful batting techniques & poor average in ODIs. Plea to people to be realistic. They have never been deserved to be parts of national team and are the reasons of present national team disgusting status. They victimized some God gifted talent like Abdul Razaq..........

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Humor.as.Armor

Apr 27, 2015 01:04pm

@Azam Jamil : LOL!

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Rabia Tasneem

Apr 27, 2015 01:05pm

please do us a favor and retire with grace.

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Zibbi

Apr 27, 2015 01:09pm

Step down.... Otherwise you maybe forced to step down !

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Erik

Apr 27, 2015 01:23pm

Shahid must stay for T20s. He is the most talented player for this format. I agree that he should not be playing ODIs until he get his form back through T20s.

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bajwa

Apr 27, 2015 01:25pm

Thanks God. May he remain steadfast on his decision

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SIR

Apr 27, 2015 01:27pm

Afridi you should have step down after the T-20 would cup win on a high note; as you had a chance. Honestly it would have been a face saving for you & your career which seems to be very poor.

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Dr.M.M.Khan

Apr 27, 2015 02:13pm

Dear Afridi, For once you are doing talk the talk ! Why don't you walk the walk! Enough is enough! Lead by example.

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CYRUS

Apr 27, 2015 02:17pm

Sri Lanka trounced Pakistan because of better speed and better hand-eye coordination.

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Blue Saffron

Apr 27, 2015 02:18pm

The condition of cricket and hockey in Pakistan is reflective of deep rooted rot in society.

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Blue Saffron

Apr 27, 2015 02:21pm

We can't manage PIA. We can't manage cricket. We can't manage electricity. However, we excel in terrorism.

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Zahid Haroon

Apr 27, 2015 02:25pm

We should not forget his heroic performances. He is the one who managed to win against India with 2 sixes and 25 for 60 against Bangladesh and so many previous heroic deeds. He is the 4th most wicket tacker bowler in ODI. The problem which we should identify is where the FLAWS exist. Which in my opnion Najam Sethi who has nothing to do with cricket. Why he is there? and Waqar Younus's biased attitude. If these two people not sacked soon we will see PCB same like PHF.

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Uzair

Apr 27, 2015 02:30pm

Should did that 17 years ago!!!!

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Truth

Apr 27, 2015 02:31pm

Pakistan is at its worst cricket ever. It's fallen backwards. Pakistan needs Cricket T20 league to get the batting going. Just like all other countries have done including Bangladesh. Pakistan team used to be praised for the best batting and all rounder teamwork is losing it. Just like West Indies lost it in the past and recently doing above average. But we have to give credit to Bangladesh as they were the better team and are not considered minors anymore. Hope Pakistan brings in new players from the T20 Cricket league is the only way.

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Blue Saffron

Apr 27, 2015 02:31pm

I wiuld like to see PCB post videos on their website of top 20 Pakistani bowlers, batsmen and wicketkeepers each, who haven't played for the national team, alongwith with their stats and interviews as to why they want to play cricket for the country. Then let the people provide feedback as to who has the talent.

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Apr 27, 2015 02:39pm

Good for opposite team that Afridi is continued in the Pakistan team. Knowing Afridi is in the Pakistan team they have to worry about taking 9 wickets. Afridi wicket is almost certainty for them.

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Ebrahim

Apr 27, 2015 02:42pm

Afridi should be the first one to step down. The main reason being that he lacks leading qualities plus failures in both bowling and batting (umpires wrong decision in the last T20 by Bangla umpire, an exception and sequel to Aleem Dar decision in World Cup). He should review his ove rall performance in World Cup. Enough is enough, Mr. Afridi do a favour to the nation and step down.

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adnan

Apr 27, 2015 02:56pm

@Ramna Q Venkat Afridi at his prime potential was an excellent bowler. i have never thought of him much as a batsman. Since he isn't taking any wickets he does need to pack his bags. The game has evolved. Shahid Afridi has not. His method, his own, has never cared much for situation nor need. I'm sorry but when you are representing your national colors, you need to evolve and adopt and Afridi has been a big let down all the time with the exception being the world t20 semi final and final of 09. That was the only time i saw him play and act mature and put the teams need and requirement before himself.

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YSR

Apr 27, 2015 02:59pm

Thanks GOD.......... as usual late decission.

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Khalid

Apr 27, 2015 03:07pm

There is no quick fix, no shortcut. Pakistan Team can not suddenly get heroes out of nowhere. Pakistan Cricket has to be built.

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Syed Hassan Naqvi

Apr 27, 2015 03:14pm

Should have done that years ago, Mr. Afridi.

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ailly

Apr 27, 2015 03:15pm

Afridi please stick with this decision insanely as did you remained stuck with closed eyes cross batted shots for harrowing 19 years and teased us always.

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Nasim Khan

Apr 27, 2015 03:15pm

In my view, Pakistan should go and continue playing with new talents, who ever it, but should not select / re-select players, like Mallick, Hafiz, Kamran, Yunus, Afridi

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Nasim Khan

Apr 27, 2015 03:17pm

@Rogers Evans Stop talking bringing back the tried, tested and useless players.

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Apr 27, 2015 03:19pm

Stop offering retirement Afridi. The nation saw that our yongsters are not ready yet to replace you and Misbah. Infact both of you should take back your retirements from ODI as well. Come and play for Pakistan. You both are super fit. Age doesn't matter

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Anjum Arshi

Apr 27, 2015 03:28pm

"the mercurial all-rounder offered to retire from all formats of the game saying he 'did not want to be a burden for the team'." Do not just offer. Do it!

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Zahid Karim

Apr 27, 2015 03:36pm

Its time for Ahmed Shahzad to retire

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Hasan

Apr 27, 2015 03:40pm

He (and the fans) should not judge him based on this particular T20 Match !... He was going great !.. Bangladesh never got him Out, the Umpire got him Out with a completely wrong judgement. He could have score a 50+ in no time, and Pak could have won. He should stay in the team, at least he is a Team Player and keeps everyone united.

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secular

Apr 27, 2015 03:40pm

Well he gonna play till he turns 50.his options really doesn't matter. Pakistan need to step up their game.tthey shud nt luk fr scapegoats.this tym this team didn't hv misbah to slow the pace of chase they have their senior players but still they were pozting 250 runs and their bowler shud have done better

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Shiraz

Apr 27, 2015 03:41pm

That includes yourself!

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shabir Ahmad Malik

Apr 27, 2015 04:00pm

bring back imran nazir and sideline shahzad as he plays vry slow which becomes the cause of defeat.we need attacking batsman like imran Nazir sharjeel khan kamran akmal umer akmal

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Hassan Jamal

Apr 27, 2015 04:11pm

i think with respect to seniority mr. waqar yunus should step down first. it will solve atleast some percentage of the problem. waqar seem stubborn & complacent which should not be way to handle this situation. the aggresstion he shows may best fits in to the fast bowler, when in action , but not acceptable for a coach.

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Ali

Apr 27, 2015 04:42pm

'Offers'? Please do so and never take the decision back.

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Amar

Apr 27, 2015 04:44pm

@Tahir A - Cricket is not about hitting everytime sixes, it is the matter of playing a decent game. Why not all the other players stepping up and hitting sixes and fours. Can you suggest any good players from the seniors, or any new one who you think can be hitting sixes, and fours at each ball. Think before you speak up...

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Rogers Evans

Apr 27, 2015 04:52pm

@Nasim Khan : Your young players are not ready to take over from seniors. If team consists of only youngsters, you will be fed up with defeats in the next 5 to 7 years. Therefore mix of seniors and youngsters will bring some satisfactory hope to the nation as they will both lose and win matches. Of course when a young guy is ready and experienced, a senior should be dropped. Please do not forget the heroics of Afridi which made Pak nation proud to talk arond.

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raj

Apr 27, 2015 05:07pm

pakistan is not best team in these day because their top most player are injuired or out of form. Pakistan need to strong their domestic format and produce best technical player that can serve for nation.main concern are money for player who given various facilities to players.

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Syed Ali Raza Shah

Apr 27, 2015 05:32pm

I THINK HE SHOULD NOT RETIRE BECAUSE HE IS AN EXCELLENT T20 PLAYER. IF HE IS 34 HE IS NOT OLD ENOUGH TO QUIT.

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ash

Apr 27, 2015 05:47pm

He should have retired few years back. Better late than never.

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Apr 27, 2015 05:51pm

All senior players should retire. They are doing nothing for the team except giving embarrassment. Professionals and ex test players should be inducted in the PCB rather than incompetent and politically inducted staff. PCB needs to be run independently. What we can expect a retire person of 80+ to bring positive change in PCB

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ENGR OSMAN

Apr 27, 2015 06:10pm

Afridi, Sarfaraz (sure looks like fame got to his previously level head), Fawad Alam, Soheil Tanvir and above all Hafeez have all been so poor in technique and application that too against a mediocre (though much more spirited and more athletic than us...) Bangladesh team in home-like pitches, that they now deserve to be permanently dropped & sent back to First class- rebuilding cannot begin with these players bring back impetus players such as Razzaq & Umar Akmal (a great fielder as well..) since they can cream at least sub par teams. Ajmal needs to be talked into retirement ASAP (he's 37... and will not play our next WC)as he's selfishly blocking development of our future such as Yasir Shah. Ahmed Shehzad's case needs to be assessed without bias (if he can do something about his selfie problem..) as he has the strokes to make it

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Asad

Apr 27, 2015 06:21pm

I see a similarity between shahid afridi and altaf Hussein ... Both resign and then retract their resignation(retirement)

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waqar kayani

Apr 27, 2015 06:25pm

actually mode of cricket has been changed. now player are more aggressive as they were before. one of the reason with our cricket is with are changing our mode of cricket beacuse there is no international cricket is in our coutries and our players has lack of confidence. Our corrupt government is also adding fuel on it by oppointmenting poliical people in cricket.

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Youth

Apr 27, 2015 06:27pm

Pakistan's T20 captain and seasoned all-rounder Shahid Afridi.. Still to think so, what has Shahid Afridi lately did with his bat.

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kalim

Apr 27, 2015 06:55pm

Pakistan should search out another young afridi instead of!

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Dr. Babulal Prasad

Apr 27, 2015 07:03pm

I think he should be brought back along with Akmal brothers in all three format. This will bring much needed aggression in the team. What about Abdul Razzak, Imran Nazir and Imran Farhat? Bring them back too!!!

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nawab

Apr 27, 2015 07:11pm

Afridi should have retired long time ago.

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Syed Hassan

Apr 27, 2015 07:21pm

Offer ACCEPTED. and please do take Ahmed Shehzad with you.

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rahim

Apr 27, 2015 09:05pm

@Mukhtar .you forgot Imran khan,miandad,wasim akram etc

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Moshim Khan Gorwal

Apr 27, 2015 11:14pm

SHAHID AFRIDI is the best cricketer of T20I & ODI.......... Afridi you can readily play atleast 4years more T20I....... Don't take any decision in hurry....... I'll also quit to watch CRICKET after your retirement........ Don't disappointed me LALA.... I'm from MEWAT(INDIA)....

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Anis

Apr 27, 2015 11:42pm

@Azam Jamil Present cricket must not be based on past performances.

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janet taylor

Apr 28, 2015 02:50am

please Shahid do not give up yet on the T20s I am sure things will get better and that lots of fans will be patient and carry on supporting the team and especially you.

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optimist

Apr 28, 2015 04:56am

Why no one is talking about the poor performance by Fawad Alam and Sarfaraz Ahmed. The media has backed them too much and now they are embarrassed.

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SMK

Apr 28, 2015 11:21am

Wise and right decision, though quite belated. Should have resigned from all forms in 2011, before One Day World Cup.

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SMK

Apr 28, 2015 11:26am

@Azam Jamil Create a public poll forum and get rid of him the soonest.

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SMK

Apr 28, 2015 11:33am

@Mukhtar and call back Wasim, Waqar, Imran, Miandad, Inzamam, Yousuf!!! It is 2015 my friend.

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T20 dewanay

Apr 28, 2015 11:50am

Tough to perform in these one off T20 games without any match practice. The T20 league should be launched urgently or we can more disappointment in the World Cup t20.

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Cricxpert

Apr 28, 2015 01:35pm

you your self was a big politician in Team now you left ODI.. so it will come good for team please retire from T20 also

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F Khan

Apr 28, 2015 09:41pm

@Ramna Q Venkat - Last time when did he play a knock in ODI/T20 that won PAK a game and after how many games that was?

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Kabbadi Kabbadi Kabaddi

Apr 29, 2015 12:29am

Look who's talking.....

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BABA SHIA

Apr 29, 2015 03:32am

Afridi should be kicked out after 2015 world cup. It is better make someone captain like riaz, sarfaraz who is more aggressive. Bring back Razzaq, so he can play 2 to 3 series and retire with dignity

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Anuja

Apr 29, 2015 06:02am

He is still only 16. There is lot of time for him to become senior.

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vicky

Apr 29, 2015 03:57pm

@ENGR OSMAN afridi was given out wrongly and he was the won who won them the match last time 50 in 25 balls.

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