‘Under pressure’ Afridi unsure about retirement after World T20

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‘Under pressure’ Afridi unsure about retirement after World T20

Dawn Sport Published February 24, 2016

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Pakistan’s T20 skipper Shahid Afridi on Wednesday hinted at reconsidering his decision to retire after the World T20 in India.

Afridi, 35, said he is under “a lot of pressure” from family, friends and elders who believe “there is no need to retire from T20s”.

“For a while now there is a lot of pressure from my family, a lot of pressure from my friends, including my elders, who say there is no need for me to retire from T20. That is a huge pressure. For now, in truth, I am focusing only on the World Cup. That is a huge challenge for me,” Afridi told ESPNcricinfo in a report published today.

Afridi, along with Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq, retired from one-day internationals following Pakistan’s 2015 World Cup outing Down Under.

Misbah continue to lead Pakistan in Tests and Afridi in T20s. But the 35-year-old all-rounder had announced to quit all forms of international cricket after the World T20 in India.

“First I want to see where Pakistan stand in the World Cup. Whether I am capable of taking the team forward on the back of my performances.

“I want to check where I am standing myself. As far as playing goes my fitness is zabardast (awesome). Energy is also there. I can play cricket. But I would be able to tell things clearly after the World Twenty20,” Afridi said.

Afridi, who has played 27 Tests, 398 ODIs and 90 Twenty20 internationals for Pakistan, said that he is under high pressure to continue playing cricket as “there is no real talent coming through Pakistan”.

“There is a lot of pressure on me that I shouldn’t retire from T20. That I can play on, and as such there is no real talent coming through in Pakistan whose place I am taking,” Afridi was quoted as saying.

Afridi has been a permanent member for Pakistan in the T20s and has played all the World T20 editions held so far.

In the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he was the captain of the franchise Peshawar Zalmi, he ended up as the second highest wicket-taker for his team, with 10 wickets.

However, his performance with the bat remained dismal as he managed to score only 87 runs in seven innings.

The World T20, set to be held in India, kicks off on March 8 with a qualifying round for the associate teams, while the Super 10 round commences from March 16.

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amin

Feb 24, 2016 01:53pm

His performance says he must retire before world cup

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Zain

Feb 24, 2016 01:54pm

Performance matter not pressure, from which direction doesn't care.

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malika

Feb 24, 2016 01:54pm

Now that is a bold statement to say there is no new talent coming. Does anyone believe a country with 200 million has no talent better than afridi?

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Salih

Feb 24, 2016 01:56pm

It's time Pakistan Cricket needs someone to provide stability and my friend with your presence its really hard to have that. So Please stick to your earlier decision, we are fed up of your lofty shorts. Please be retire after WC T20. We expect a 1st round exit with your help, that's acceptable to us but we cannot carry this after the WC T20.

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Aku

Feb 24, 2016 01:57pm

Your performance as a captain is pathetic. First start thinking how you can improve on it rather than speaking in the media regarding the pressure of retirement and new talent is not coming in. The problem with you is that you are and you were never consistent.

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SAB

Feb 24, 2016 01:59pm

All Pakistan players only go when they are forced to go. Afridi has chosen the same path, sadly.

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Mrs. Phannay Khan

Feb 24, 2016 02:00pm

Sure - you can continue playing PSL, BBL, BPL etc but please not in National colors

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Karachitee

Feb 24, 2016 02:01pm

Dear Afridi I don't want to see you being treated in same way as other Pakistani star players in past. You got lot of respect from people take it and leave with grace.

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Pasha

Feb 24, 2016 02:05pm

You are a liability on the team, your performance wont even earn you a place in Pakistan A team. If you can please leave before WCT20

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ravian

Feb 24, 2016 02:05pm

Afridi, please don't listen to your family and friends, they are lying to you !!!

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analyses

Feb 24, 2016 02:06pm

Such an egoistic selfish player! Just to be in the team, he keeps on harping 'There is no talent coming' and 'Not a single local batsman shined in PSL' etc... even after Sharjeel made century against his very own team and clubbed sixes on his mediocre bowling.

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Ash

Feb 24, 2016 02:14pm

please just retire and stop making excuses

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Syed Hassan

Feb 24, 2016 02:14pm

The problem is that this man has received so much attention that it has now become very difficult for him to leave the limelight. Pakistan has found its bunch of talented players in the PSL and whether Afridi likes this or not he will be stripped of captaincy after Pakistan's shameful exit from World T20.

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Nasir Siddique

Feb 24, 2016 02:16pm

I am not sure what his friends or elders advise but I think he needs to stop listening. You simply cannot make such statements prior to the Asia Cup and World Cup. He is free to change his mind if the team does well and his individual performance are good but can't see him around if he underperforms or the team tumbles out early from these tournaments.

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Irfan

Feb 24, 2016 02:17pm

Here we go again. The statement from a consistent lout who was never consistent in his entire 20 year career.

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S S Ayub

Feb 24, 2016 02:19pm

Good riddance! He should retire even before World T20, and save the country from embarrassment, and Afridi Phenomena which really ails Pakistan Cricket.

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Shibly

Feb 24, 2016 02:22pm

Dear Afridi.....I totally agree with Zian. Moroever, T20 is all about the endurance and sharp reflexes and consistent PERFORMANCE Not just carrying legacy. I guess you had enough of your tenure now please give the chance to Young and emerging Players how deserves to be in the team and more talented and have the muscles to make things happen on the given day. SO bye dear LALA from T20.....

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Talha

Feb 24, 2016 02:23pm

No real talent? Muhammad Nawaz? Muhammad Asghar? Sharjeel Khan? Khalid Latif? Even Muhammad Amir coming back? Thank you for your service Afridi but you don't qualify for our national team anymore!

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Ashraf Usman

Feb 24, 2016 02:24pm

Lala have mercy on us. Enough is enough.

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Rizwan

Feb 24, 2016 02:24pm

Plz Gooooo for sake of poor fans your past you're prime 10 years ago!!!!!

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Tanweer Khan

Feb 24, 2016 02:26pm

Afridi is a good bowler in T20's. On average he picks up 1 wicket per match and concedes around 26.4 runs. That would restrict teams to 132 runs per 20 overs. Batting-wise, he averages 18.23 runs per innings. That is extremely poor. His captaincy record in T20 is terrible. In fact with only a 47.14% success rate, he is the worst T20 captain in Pak history. So with Afridi in charge, there is more than a 50% chance of losing a game. But I suspect that he has finally realised that as soon as he leaves the T20 team too, the adulation, the ego massaging etc will disappear - and he will just be an ex-cricketer. Would he want to give that up willingly? Would anyone want to give that up willingly? Probably not. That is probably why he is now using 'the pressure' as a get out clause to try and stay in the team. You should always go when people are asking 'why are you retiring', but in Pakistan it is more when they say 'why don't you retire'.

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Farooq anwar

Feb 24, 2016 02:26pm

he think he is indispensable very selfish and making these decision in past but never stick with them

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Saeed

Feb 24, 2016 02:31pm

Afridi should have retired 3 years ago, when he lost the magic of his drift bowling and somewhat acceptable late hitting. For the past 3 years, he has been nothing but a consistent failure.

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tawari

Feb 24, 2016 02:37pm

Please Mr Afridi I beg you do us one favour and we will forget all your irresponsible handling of so many matter pleaseeee retire before W C

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Pak Khan

Feb 24, 2016 02:40pm

This country has given you a lot, dont take away the only thing you have given it .. your retirement!

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Ali

Feb 24, 2016 02:41pm

Same old story again. has been liability for the last few years

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Saad

Feb 24, 2016 02:41pm

We have been tolerating you since the past 20 years...

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Kashif

Feb 24, 2016 02:41pm

“There is a lot of pressure on me that I shouldn’t retire from T20. That I can play on, and as such there is no real talent coming through in Pakistan whose place I am taking,” So is this the sole reason to continue you further??. In fact As long as You are there in the team, No real talent has been able to come.

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Shazad

Feb 24, 2016 02:44pm

Afridi do not want to retire respectfully. He wants PCB to stop selecting him, throw him out disgracefully, like PCB did with many other players, and once Afridi would be thrown out of cricket team, he would declare retirement. Actually, last announcement of retirement also happened when Afridi though that he is on verge of getting thrown out, but after his announcement, PCB let him stay in team so that he exit gracefully, but 'innhay izzat say retirement raas nahi aati' ... so probably after world cup, his performance would be enough to get dropped from team forever.

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Kashif

Feb 24, 2016 02:46pm

Dear Afridi please keep inmind that you are playing for Pakistan and not only for your family and friends, do you as a professional think that you should continue, NO. Only taking some wickets does not mean that you deserve captaincy. This is the perfect time for you to say Good Bye.

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KoBE

Feb 24, 2016 02:46pm

In other countries cricketers retire at their career-peak. McCullum, Sanga, Clarke are recent examples. But in Pakistan, underperforming Afridi, just for the sake of his own fame, still wants to bring some more shame for the country. Do perform, Mr overrated Lala. Or just go away!!

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Waj

Feb 24, 2016 02:47pm

Plz retire already!

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Tahir Amjad

Feb 24, 2016 02:49pm

@Saeed ....3 years ago ??? I m sorry since last many years his performance in the cricket has been very dismal.he damaged the whole lot of new talent as every Pakistani batsman followed his nonsense way of batting , and hoping that if he can play for so long with his birdies why can not we. believe me acute shortage of sensible batsmen in our domestic cricket is due to him..

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Com

Feb 24, 2016 02:54pm

Guys whoever has negative views about sportsman understood as u never been a sport man so u will never understand wat pressure does international sports person goes through. May b anyone specially stars like Afridi wen they shine all stars looks stone's infront of him.

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Salih

Feb 24, 2016 02:55pm

No real talent will prevail ever when You AFRIDI are there, when a youngster sees his Captain is playing lofty shorts rather then reading the situations and play sensible cricket, how can the new talent comes. Looks the impact on Umar Akmal and Ahmad Shehzad, everyone consider them a good Talent but without proper temperament which is not possible when you are there and you will spoil more talent as well if you delays your well overdue retirement.

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The Last Voice

Feb 24, 2016 02:57pm

For God's sake - leave this for the others..the better ones.. it is matter of nations pride and Pakistan's image..

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Com

Feb 24, 2016 02:57pm

You saw sharjeel played one match 100 very next match he scored less than 20 no consistency guys like viral or Smith of ausis. The only guy came up with a record century of 36balls which stayef for long time apart of that u people don't have consisten talent. I no sharjeel but I m sure he will upset in international cricket.

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Momo

Feb 24, 2016 02:57pm

Please retire afridi, we have had enough. It's quite surprising to see that you have played for around 20 years already. If you were an Australian or let's say enhance player, you would not have played more than 5-10 matches

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Shazad

Feb 24, 2016 03:01pm

Let see Afridi contribution to team since beginning of 2015, or in last 13 T20Is. Afridi took 12 wickets in last 13 ODIs at cost of 367 runs. Aves ~30.6 runs per wicket @ ~7.1 runs per over. In 7 of his last T20I, he took no wickets. As for batting, Afridi batted in all those 13 ODIs and made 171 runs at Ave of ~13 runs per innings. Obviously, his figures cannot keep him in team, as bowler or batsman. Unfortunately, he could not be in team as all rounder too. Why? Afridi bowling economy of 7 runs per over means conceding 140 runs per innings (of 20 overs) and that excludes extra (opponent would make minimum of 140 runs if all Pakistan bowlers were Afridi). Now, if all 10 batsmen also bat like Afridi, than with average of 13 runs per wicket, team would make 130 runs losing 10 wickets. So, conceding 140 plus runs in 20 overs and losing 10 wickets for 130 runs, it is obvious that on average Pakistan would keep losing matched if Pak has 10 Afridis in team.

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Talha

Feb 24, 2016 03:02pm

Please leave cricket for good.

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atif

Feb 24, 2016 03:03pm

Step down , give Bismiallah Khan and Sherjeal a chance. This is from a phatan staright to a phatan dont spoil our name and what you have earned!! Pakistan is full of talent , you are too proud and ignoring it.

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Adil

Feb 24, 2016 03:07pm

Brand Afridi's retirement may put pressure on investors and businessmen who have invested heavily. This is what the real pressure is.To keep the brand going...Pakistan cricket must take a fresh start post world cup. He no longer listens to the coaching staff and is not good for overall dressing room environment. Please Afridi have MERCY on us!!!!!

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spb1866@yahoo.com

Feb 24, 2016 03:10pm

Afridi, You must retire. Pakistan cricket do not need you any more. In fact you should have retired long time back. We are sick of your recent performances. In fact you should not be leading the WC T20. But it seems there is somebody with high power who keep including you in the tournaments. Dont make the excuse of family pressures. It is only your own desire.

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The Last Voice

Feb 24, 2016 03:13pm

Whosoever is advising that - is a true enemy of Pakistan, its cricket, and its fans. Turn a deaf ear to them - PLEASE!

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M Rafique

Feb 24, 2016 03:14pm

Its a case of forced retirement

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natey

Feb 24, 2016 03:15pm

u can play for clubs like psl ccl bcl etc but need to retire from country squad..sangakara also playing for leagues t20 so is misbah..u can play for anoth 5-6 years..its not problem...but not for national team

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Majid Khan

Feb 24, 2016 03:18pm

Please Afridi, do a favour to Pakistan T20 team. Retire as soon as the world cup is over. God bless you.

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Mohit

Feb 24, 2016 03:21pm

The most shocking statement is I dont see any talent coming up. Just at the end of PSL you dont see any talent ...wow...Bizzare statement frm pak captain..

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Tahir Amjad

Feb 24, 2016 03:23pm

This shows how much great cricketing brain u r.....is it only the fitness that is needed to carry on as player??? what about ur performance as a (absolutely non sense) batsman? u r lucky to have been in Pakistan .any other country may have shed u long ago for the betterment of the game. For God sake give Pakistan a break..

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Kamran

Feb 24, 2016 03:39pm

Now Afridi brain completely stop working.

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Feb 24, 2016 03:45pm

I think Afridi should retire now. He was an O.K. batsman for short span but now he is only good as a captain and a bowler, and them we have many anyways.

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Bilal

Feb 24, 2016 03:50pm

Dismal performance and we saw good T20 talent in PSL as opposed to what he claims, unless he was looking for Test cricketers with temperament ! His PSL statement about talent is pretty pathetic and deplorable. The only talent he sees is himself. Quite untrue and selfish.

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SohailAnwar

Feb 24, 2016 03:50pm

Please Retire Now.

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jazib

Feb 24, 2016 03:54pm

he must not retire but he must also leave captaincy and should play only now and then based on his performance not amke evry match compulsory to him....he is super star and people love to watch him he is good crowed catcher

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Irfan_Sydney

Feb 24, 2016 03:58pm

I agree, he can play as long as he is looking good. I mean not on the field, I mean in front of the mirror. In Pakistan a player has a very good chance to play cricket as long as he is very good looking. One of the reasons behind this logic is a good looking cricketer has many many fans. Imagine Afridi had an ordinary look, he would have been dropped long time ago from the team.

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Saeed Ahmed

Feb 24, 2016 04:01pm

Talent will come through if you allow it to and make space for it.

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Feb 24, 2016 04:01pm

He is paving his path to carry on and using the world cup as an excuse. Clearly, as stated by him, it depends on the outcome. If they do good, he will carry on,citing pressure from his alleged elders( what does that has to do with his cricket anyways!!!) and if they flop, he will retire. However, I feel he will not in any case unless he is overlooked ! A typical response nonetheless expected of him.He is the most over rated player in the recent times. Take a cue from B Mccullum who is at his peak with his gameplay and fitness alike and yet bows out!

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Sadaat

Feb 24, 2016 04:01pm

Afridi is such an unpredictable player,who lack consistency. His arrogance sent zalmi in oblivion. Better to retire. Glamour and to be a professional player is different.

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Muhammad Awais Aziz

Feb 24, 2016 04:01pm

Have some mercy on us

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abdul

Feb 24, 2016 04:18pm

HE SHOULD RETIRE TO GIVE A FAIR CHANCE TO NEW COMERS AND SPECIALLY YOUNG TALENTS. - LET HIM TAKE REST.

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Rameez

Feb 24, 2016 04:23pm

Slightly egotistical to declare that he is the sole saviour of cricket. As for his family putting him under pressure; I hope you will rise above this pandering to your ego Sir and bow out with the little respect and grace you have left.

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Rameez

Feb 24, 2016 04:26pm

@jazib http://www.dawn.com/news/1235299

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Omar

Feb 24, 2016 04:27pm

Disgraceful! When will our players learn to leave with dignity and grace? This guy is playing for Pakistan for 16 years now and I bet, in any other team he would have not even made to the national squad!

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Sayed

Feb 24, 2016 04:28pm

I wish he also realized the pressure from nation & cricket lovers who want him to retire ASAP. He should think that PAKISTAN team is suffering because of his performance since years.

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gayaz

Feb 24, 2016 04:42pm

Don't they see ur performance.

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Imran

Feb 24, 2016 04:49pm

Please leave us. Thank you.

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Yousuf47 London

Feb 24, 2016 04:56pm

If one is to go by present performance, Afridi may not make it in t20 squad for Bangladesh or the World Cup in April. The Pakistani cricket has declined over the years with refusal by overseas team to travel to Pakistan. The PSL t20 produced a few good bowlers but it is batting which has lacked consistency. Afridi has lost his boom boom with the bat but his bowling is nothing more than average.

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Javedk

Feb 24, 2016 05:05pm

Have some mercy on the nation. Why wait? Please retire before the World Cup . You may disagree but Misbah and you are the same age and need to go gracefully. Next you will want to play for the under 19 team

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Rehan

Feb 24, 2016 05:07pm

He will do a big favour to Pakistan cricket, if he hangs up his boots before the T20 World Cup.

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Fiz

Feb 24, 2016 05:09pm

Don't listen to family n friends, listen to your heart n performance which says that you are finished. It's better to retire with grace than be chucked out. See the difference?

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Jamil Ahmad Sarooti

Feb 24, 2016 05:14pm

For what you want to reconsidering retirement after the World T20 in India. Afridi a lot “a lot of pressure” from family, friends and elders who believe “there is no need to retire from T20s”. what a funny statement this is tax payer money not ur family or friends. Be ready to go home and do mercy on us. Do not involve family. Tell truth to family, friends and elders that nation need new young performer captain ur time over.

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Shaukat Ali Khan

Feb 24, 2016 05:19pm

He, probably doesn't qualify to be a part of the present T20 tourneys.

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Feb 24, 2016 05:22pm

@amin : His batting performance - may be. His bowling performance - absolutely not, he just returned his best t20 bowling figures for a Pakistani player in PSL. What Afridi does not give you in batting, he will save you with his fielding and get a few crucial wickets in the play. Also, he brings people to the ground. I'd pay to watch him, but I would not pay to go watch the safarshis.

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Feb 24, 2016 05:27pm

@malika: Why do our people focus on the negative ? He is right though isn't he. You don't think of Afridis replacement like an ordinary players replacement. He needs to be replaced with someone of equal brand power and crowd pulling capacity. Anwar Ali isn't really impressing, Sohaib cant score runs, Asad Shafiq has been unlucky and just not matching his test performance in T20 and ODI, Hafeez may be a good replacement but his bowling action is constant pain for us, babar azam has not really impressed much and he has had his chances, Umar Akmal, Nasir Jamshed etc etc.. this list goes on.

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Ironman

Feb 24, 2016 05:29pm

Afridi's indecision is always final.

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Hyder

Feb 24, 2016 05:33pm

Sir Shahid Afridi must follow the example of Brendan McCullum and retire gracefully from the game. Thanks Hyder

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kaka

Feb 24, 2016 05:49pm

Leave please............

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Omar

Feb 24, 2016 05:50pm

No talent ... Indeed! That's a good laugh from Afridi.

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Ismail

Feb 24, 2016 05:54pm

Sincere advice to retire with honor and dignity otherwise if he is kicked out it will be great shame. I think his time is over for international cricket. He should play domestic and PSL type games.

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Affan

Feb 24, 2016 05:55pm

I'm going to get a lot of negative comments for this but hafeez was a much better captain and also had the decency to accept responsibility for defeat and relinquish captaincy.

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ABID ALI

Feb 24, 2016 06:19pm

Please do not even think to re-consider your decision. You Performances in National or Other leagues tell that you are not fit for the cricket anymore. It high time to retire and enjoy at home.

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The Outsider

Feb 24, 2016 06:30pm

Doesn't he feel the pressure from the millions of fans and journalists that have wanted him to retire since last year?

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shaffiq qureshi

Feb 24, 2016 06:33pm

Afridi please leave after the word cup.we know you have won us matches in the past but now you don't have the same reflexes as before.we can't have scoring six runs in the first ball and getting out in the next

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Shahid

Feb 24, 2016 06:37pm

This man has been lucky through out his career, he has survived with average performance for too long. Shahid Afridi please have mercy on the game of cricket and retire.

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Adnan

Feb 24, 2016 06:41pm

Only in our Pakistan, can this average player be considered a super hero Afridi please retire - we have better players as we saw in PSL

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asgher

Feb 24, 2016 07:01pm

We love your blasting sixes Lala!, one victory from your bat against india and all the comments here opposing you will fade away...

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Luqman Hafeez

Feb 24, 2016 07:01pm

Continue to play for what? Just because you are fit, you think you can continue to live off PCB? You know you have absolutely nothing to give to Pakistan cricket anymore, yet just to keep in the advertisement business, you want to remain a liability for team Pakistan. That's pathetic to say the least!

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Waqas Ishaq

Feb 24, 2016 07:03pm

He should retire before world cup not after

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bilal

Feb 24, 2016 07:08pm

Learn something from Brendon McCullum please... He is ten times better cricketer than Afridi and yet he retired... Show a little bit of patriotism... and LEAVE!

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Hindian

Feb 24, 2016 07:10pm

Please retire soon!! Thanks in advance!

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Khurram Jadoon

Feb 24, 2016 07:21pm

Useless cricketer - no technique at all. It can only happen in Pakistan where a person cashes a single 50 for an year and more - whereas 50 includes few drop and stump chances with few body hurts... that's Shahid.

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sam

Feb 24, 2016 07:32pm

Someone should have afridi to check all these comments from fans here. I wonder who is preasurising him not to leave..

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Shakil USA

Feb 24, 2016 07:48pm

Afridi your in denial. Just retire respectfully. You should know your poor performance in PSL.

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Hasan

Feb 24, 2016 07:50pm

Afridi please retire. I can bet that Pakistan won't do good in t20 World Cup and you will not perform either. Go now with respect.

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Rashid

Feb 24, 2016 07:50pm

For God sake, please retire and give chance to other talented people. Your performance is really poor as well your captaincy. I stop watching T20's, because in your captaincy there are no hope to win.. Be fair with other talented cricketers. We don't want another DHARNA for your retirement..

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Tariq Laeeq

Feb 24, 2016 07:51pm

The LAST and FINAL talent that the entire nation of Pakistan produced was Shahid Afridi. Phew! What arrogance!

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Pakfan

Feb 24, 2016 07:52pm

Don't know about Afridi, but for sure Misbah should reconsider to join T20 as the captain!

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Fahim Khan

Feb 24, 2016 07:56pm

Do not select him anymore.

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Khan

Feb 24, 2016 07:57pm

Why there is so much hype about Afridi I haven't seen him performing well at all over past few years.

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rao abid

Feb 24, 2016 08:08pm

Skipper always leading from the front .like AB,Dhoni,ect you can see your performance last 15 year.afridi brother its the right time to say by by .think

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Abdulla Hussain

Feb 24, 2016 08:16pm

He should leave the captaincy if he wishes to continue playing t20. By the way he is not playing for his family or his die hard fans, he is playing for Team Pakistan, he should performing with his bat or he will have to go. There is no life long guarantee for a place in cricket, only a performer plays. PCB should not accept any pressure from any quarter to continue to select a non performer.

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Faisal Khan

Feb 24, 2016 08:26pm

Just enjoyed reading the comments.

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lahoria

Feb 24, 2016 08:26pm

plz plz plz afridi have mercy on pakistan cricket and RETIRE!

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Feb 24, 2016 08:27pm

C'mon! not again

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Raza

Feb 24, 2016 08:39pm

What kind of talent your talking about Mr afridi, just trying to Hit six on every single ball is not a talent its a stupidity

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sajid

Feb 24, 2016 08:44pm

No need to think too much on this. If Pakistan win the tournament, there is a chance you may be asked to consider your retirement. Consider your self retired in case if Pakistan exit early.

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Antony Ooty

Feb 24, 2016 08:50pm

Man you are over the hill. You have had your time in the sun , time to move on.There are younger and better players in line . Trust me Pakistan will not miss you

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Feb 24, 2016 08:56pm

we are sick of his immature and arrogant behaviour and consistent faliures..

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Feb 24, 2016 08:56pm

Don't take pressure any more, atleast not at this age

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Feb 24, 2016 08:59pm

Now our cricket experts/Legends (who played one or two international matches) will comment on this forever, half of them will favor and others against

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S Hassan Ali

Feb 24, 2016 09:10pm

That would be a great loss if Afridi decides not to retire.

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Malik

Feb 24, 2016 09:18pm

There are less people who understand cricket in Pakistan ... First of all Captain is not your top performer or regular performer or a super man or spider man .... he is a person who is well respected ... can develop a team environment ... and has courage to support his opposition in the team as well when they are right ... basically he is a leader ... and you would win ... Misbah performed in every match .. but it did not matter since he could not develop a team out of stars ...

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Third Umpire

Feb 24, 2016 09:25pm

@Jamil Ahmad Sarooti While I am not in favour of Afridi continuing, it may be noted that it is not the Tax Payer's money. It is the PCB which earns and spends money on Cricket and Cricketers.

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Shaiq

Feb 24, 2016 09:31pm

Please enjoy your life and give chance to deserving youngsters.

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Aqal say Paidal

Feb 24, 2016 10:08pm

Pakistan has chance in T20 only if Afridi gets injured.

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Shampee

Feb 24, 2016 10:09pm

Lots of comments I will say Go Afridi Go

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Khan143

Feb 24, 2016 10:13pm

No surprise here. If Dawn sets up a poll on how many people really think he is going to retire, I am sure the percentage is going to be in the low 10s.

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SuvBratChowdery

Feb 24, 2016 10:47pm

Not again. How many times will he retire and then resurrect ? This has become a joke.

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Iftikhar

Feb 24, 2016 11:01pm

Afridi is already past his shelf life. Please retire otherwise you will be taking someone's place who is more eligible.

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Uthman

Feb 24, 2016 11:03pm

He should be retired. His performance says that.

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Nawab

Feb 24, 2016 11:35pm

He should have retired long time ago.

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Ishrat Ansari

Feb 24, 2016 11:42pm

Looking at Shahid Afridi it is clear that no Pakistani in cricket history has his style and scoring prowess. Afraid is a phenomenon you see once in a life time. AS is our national character we have to pull down any one who outshines the rest. Not just in cricket but in every other field. You want to see magic return in Shahid Afridi's performances, bring back someone old who has some stature and sense like Miandad or new like Brian Lara as the coach.

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parveez

Feb 25, 2016 12:08am

Please don't listen to people who are putting pressure. They need to look at it from Pakistan point of view and not their selfish point of view. You have lots of respect leave before you are shown the door. There will never be another AFRIDI and we will miss you.

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Shazad

Feb 25, 2016 12:10am

@Third Umpire: You are wrong. Whatever PCB earns is taxpayer money. ICC is club of countries, not private cricket clubs. If PCB want own earning, than they should start a club not representing Pakistan (like Kerry packer once did). Fact is that, PCB value in world is because of Pakistan, not because of PCB employees or players. PCB represents Pakistan, so what they earn is taxpayer's money, and belongs to Pakistanis (regardless of that Pakistani pay tax or not). PCB (like politicians) have exploited and abused Pakistan. They portray themselves as representing Pakistan, but sell Pakistan for personal benefits. Ideally, a team representing Pakistan should select players on merit, without discrimination, provincialism, bias, brides, likes/dislikes and Parchi, but thugs of PCB do not. Afridi is known because he plays for Pakistan, not just because how and what he plays. If he was playing for private team than no one would have known or cared about him, even if he was 10 x better.

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Asif

Feb 25, 2016 12:28am

I don't know why this person is in the team?

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Syed Hasni

Feb 25, 2016 12:51am

T 20 records of Shahid, Matches 82 total runs of 1218 at an average of 19 no hundreds just 4 fifties with a top score of 54. with one wicket a match for an average of 23 runs. Your family, friends and elders are blinded by their love since this record is a public information and does not justify your place even in a local team. You are a liability for the Pakistan team, If you are still in the team I will advise Sherhyar Khan not to send the team to the World cup merely on this basis that we can not get rid of Shahid. It would be a sheer waste of tax payers dollars and a country like Pakistan cannot afford wasteful expenditures.

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Feb 25, 2016 01:16am

@Third Umpire And who pays to the PCB ? Ticket sales and TV deals are all public money, indirectly.

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INDIAN LOVE

Feb 25, 2016 01:24am

@malika Yes , I believe.

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khadim

Feb 25, 2016 01:29am

Any player with any respect for him self would have retired long ago.

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Umair Khalid

Feb 25, 2016 01:33am

please retire before world cup. your presence in the team would mean that Pakistan wouldn't even reach the semis. thanks for being a mediocre player, now it's time for you to go.

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Ram Lal Satya

Feb 25, 2016 03:17am

"Under Pressure" ? From whom? I think his performance in SPL was less than mediocre with the bat and ball. He should retire before WC T20 and let Sarfarza take over captaincy.

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Roger

Feb 25, 2016 03:31am

Please please please retire before World t20 and take retirement back after t20 world cup

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Ahmer

Feb 25, 2016 03:59am

Maybe we should talk to these people and ask them not to pressure Afridi, so he can retire peacefully and quickly, possibly before the Asia and World Cups.

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Ahmed Shehzad

Feb 25, 2016 04:24am

Afridi bhai, don't listen to them. They are used to dissapointment anyway. Let's just worry about us.

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Pindi boy

Feb 25, 2016 04:35am

he should have retired 10 years ago.

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light out city

Feb 25, 2016 04:36am

Boss!!!! take a bow. Family and friends do not matter to the nation. you will regret it later.

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Dr. Sehar Khan

Feb 25, 2016 05:49am

Mr. Afridi You Must Go.... For God's Sake !!!

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Freeman

Feb 25, 2016 06:02am

Dear Afridi, don't worry about the team. Please take retirement with peace of mind, team would wouldn't go more low.

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Abdullah

Feb 25, 2016 06:18am

@Malik are you really serious about what you said! You really are a tough man; you could not find any positive about the leadership of the most successful Pakistani captain?

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Feb 25, 2016 06:29am

Be sportsman and leave please

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Omair

Feb 25, 2016 11:16am

Afridi bhai. Take the retirement and exit gracefully before you are forced out of the team unceremoniously. With love from your fan.

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Sarah1

Feb 25, 2016 01:31pm

Afridi is a great performer. Don't write him off. He has a solid 3-4 years left in him. He should continue playing T20 and even come back into the 50 over and test match team. After all, he was a record holder for the fastest century in ODIs and a great bowler even today. Stay on Afridi.

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Que

Feb 25, 2016 01:45pm

I am in FAVOR OF AFRIDI continuing after WC T20!!! I agree with statement on: “there is no real talent coming through Pakistan”. Lets talk about talent: Sarfraz Ahmed: Immature with NO concept of captaincy and totally failed T20 player. Umer Akmal: Possible captain material and good aggressive T20 player. Shoaib Malik: Yes a captain material but not aggressive. There is no real other choice... So like I said if Afridi chooses to continue then "He is the Man"!!

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shabaz

Feb 26, 2016 02:58am

Afridi to lead Pak’s U19 campaign after retiring as T20 captain..! :D

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