Published: Feb 25, 2016, 01:53 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 25, 2016, 01:53 PM (IST)
Karachi: Former Pakistan pace bowler Sarfraz Nawaz has said that T20 International (T20I) skipper Shahid Afridi should stick to his decision to retire from the international cricket at the end of next month’s ICC World T20 2016 in India, saying that he has passed his prime. Sarfraz’s comments came after Afridi said that he was reconsidering his intention to quit international cricket amidst ‘huge pressure’ from his family and friends. The 67-year-old Test bowler believes that Afridi had not performed up to the mark in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), insisting his overall ten-wicket haul and 87 runs depicts that he is in stage of decline, the Dawn reported. READ: Shahid Afridi to reconsider T20I retirement
Sarfraz also expressed his disagreement with Afridi’s view that there was no real talent at the moment to take over his place in the Pakistan squad. He stressed that his country had got a lot of talented players, who were required to be given exposure in the international cricket. Disapproving Afridi’s comments, Sarfraz further said that there were a number of good bowlers who are better than the skipper. READ: Shahid Afridi set for Hampshire return for Natwest T20 Blast 2016
Meanwhile, former opener Ramiz Raja said that bidding adieu to international cricket was not an easy task, adding that Afridi should show sportsman spirit in making an appropriate call. Afridi, who plays only T20Is, had announced his intention to retire from the international cricket following the conclusion of the 2015 World Cup. READ: Shahid Afridi willing to give PSL fresh talents opportunity to play for Pakistan
Afridi is set to return to Hampshire for this season’s domestic Twenty20 Blast competition, the English county announced Wednesday. Afridi, will be available for the whole Blast tournament, Hampshire said.
