KARACHI: Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq on Saturday said his domain is to select a player rather than giving a farewell in reply to a question regarding Shahid Afridi's future.

Afridi had made headlines last month with his demand for a farewell match during the three-match T20 series against the West Indies which Pakistan went on to clean sweep. Afridi's desire, however, was not satisfied by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Talking to reporters during a press conference at the National Stadium, Karachi after announcing the 14-member squad for the day-night Test against the West Indies, which starts from October 13, Inzamam said: “Every person who has played 18-20 years for Pakistan is mature enough to decide till when he has to continue. I can only select a player and cannot give him a farewell.”

Read: Future of Afridi, Ajmal uncertain as PCB set to give central contracts

The former Test captain, who was honoured with an enclosure being named after him at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore during his last Test match, added: “Afridi is in contact with the board on the issue and the PCB also believes that there should be a proper exit for a person who has served Pakistan this long.”

A tweet from PCB executive committee chairman Najam Sethi last month raised speculation that Ajmal and fellow veteran Afridi were set to announce their retirement from the international game.

But Ajmal says he’s still desperate to force his way back into the national set-up, 18 months since he last represented his country, and pointed to his starring role in the recent National T20 Cup as proof that he should be given another chance.

In a recent interview on a private TV channel, Afridi revealed that the logic behind his demand is to establish a tradition of honouring legends.

Opinion

Editorial

Hasty transition
Updated 05 May, 2024

Hasty transition

Ostensibly, the aim is to exert greater control over social media and to gain more power to crack down on activists, dissidents and journalists.
One small step…
05 May, 2024

One small step…

THERE is some good news for the nation from the heavens above. On Friday, Pakistan managed to dispatch a lunar...
Not out of the woods
05 May, 2024

Not out of the woods

PAKISTAN’S economic vitals might be showing some signs of improvement, but the country is not yet out of danger....
Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...