Afridi backtracks on retirement decision

With the discussion about the all-rounder’s retirement in the air, Afridi was asked about his retirement plans during the post-match discussion program after Pakistan lost the matc♚h against Australia at M🐠ohali.

“When I go back hom🔯e, in the first 4-5 days I will take the decision (on retirement). I will announce it in myღ country. Whatever is better for the country, I will go with that. I will see my form.

"There is pressure, media pressure. As a player, I am fit. As a captain, I am not fit. I have enjoyed my captaincy. The team management, selection committee, and Shahryar Khan (Pakistan Cricket Board chairman) have helped me out," Afridi said.

The move came as a surprise, but not one so big, as Afridi has prevaricated on his retirement for a while with contradictory statements coming sometimes in the span of a day. Only two days ago, he had said, ““I am going to play the last game of my career (next Pak match),” when talking to media after the match against New Zealand.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief Sh🌞ahryar Khan also had said on Monday that Shahid Afridi will be removed𝔉 as captain after the Wor🌠ld T20 in India.

“He is captain till the World Cup under this understanding and he has said he will retire after the event. Even if he changes his mind and wants to carry on we will have to see whether he can be picked as a player or no💎t," Shahryar Khan told reporters in Lahore on Monday, reported Cricbuzz.

When asked about the controversy that was around the comment about him receiving more love in India, Afridi hit back by sa📖ying, 🌼"My comment was meant for educated people."

The remark appears to be a jibe at all his detractors chief among whom were former Pakiౠstani cricketers including Javed Miandad had criticised Afridi fo✃r the comment saying Afridi should be ashamed of himself.

The swashbuckling all-rounder, who also drew criticism over his comments about Kashmir after the match against 🎃New Zealand on Tuesday, once again thanked the people from Kashmir for supporting the Pakisඣtan team.

“I want to thank people from Calcutta. I thank people who came and supported us from Pakistan ไand Kashmir.♋ Thanks to the BCCI," he said in the post-match presentation ceremony.