KARACHI: All-rounder Shahid Afridi has said that he will be looking to play county cricket in the foreseeable future with Hampshire to regain his form and fitness and also have definite plans to set up his own cricket academy soon.

“I will continue to play cricket for the leagues,” Afridi said in an interview with Rameez Raja for ICC Cricket 360.

“I’ve signed with Hampshire county and will play for them as well. PSL is also happening and apart from that if I get any good opportunity I will take it.

Also I would like to carry on with my charity work for my Shahid Afridi Foundation and also have an ambition to set up a proper cricket academy,” said the former T20 skipper.

Afridi, who led Pakistan in the ICC World T20 in India early this year, was overlooked by the national selectors on Monday for a training camp which will be set up in Kakul comprising 35 probables.

Though Afridi announced his ODI retirement after Pakistan’s quarter-final loss at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, he continues to be available for the shortest format.

He said the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is a great platform for the youngsters who are keen to make a foray into the national side.

“The first PSL was a great boost for Pakistan cricketers, both financially and in terms of exposure as well,” said Afridi.

“The talent is definitely there but we have to search and that will happen through academies. So we need to build proper academies in each city and the talented kids can use the facilities.”

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2016