Shahid Afridi resigns from Pakistan T20I captaincy, wishes to continue playing

Shahid Afridi has a long history of retiring and then cancelling the retirement © AFP

Shahid Afridi announced on Twitter that he has resigned from Pakistan's Twenty20 International (T20I) captaincy, but that he will continue as player should his services still be requested. Afridi had hinted at an international retirement following the ICC T20 World Cup 2016, but said that he would make a formal announcement only after going back home. As it happens, he did not actually retire and instead only stepped down from captaincy. Afridi has a long history of retiring and then cancelling retirements, so this should perhaps not come as a massive surprise. Afridi has led Pakistan in T20Is virtually continuously since 2010. Afridi's press release states as follows: READ: Romance of watching Shahid Afridi bat

"Today I wish to inform my fans in Pakistan and all over the world that I am relinquishing the captaincy of the T20 Pakistani team of my own volition. On this day, I thank Allah (SWT) for His kindness and mercy which enabled me to discharge my leadership duties, to the best of my abilities, for the sake of the honour and prestige of my motherland. For me it was a great honour to lead my country in all the three formats of the game. My profound thanks to the PCB and its chairman Mr Shahryar Khan Sb who gave me the honour to lead the national team. READ: Is Shahid Afridi really a legend of cricket?

"I would also like to inform that Insha'Allah I intend to continue to play the game for my country and league cricket etc. and request my fans for kindly keep praying and supporting me for my best future performances for Pakistan (as a player); and in all other arenas of the game, world over. Shahid Afridi."