Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi on Monday announced an early retirement from international cricket due to “disagreement” with country’s cricket board, a media report said.
“I cannot work with the people who find it difficult to tolerate statements in favour of cricket,” Afridi said, adding that the duty of a coach is to work for the welfare and in favour of team.
According to sources, Afridi’s disagreement with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over some issues resulted in his early retirement, the Geo News reported. He said it was hard for him to play under a cricket board, which pays no respect to senior players.
“It is nothing short of an honour for me that Pakistan played world cup semifinal under my captaincy,” he added.
Afridi, 31, had quit Test cricket last year after leading Pakistan to defeat in the first Test in England. But he remained part of the limited-overs sides, which he continued to lead until the recent tour of the West Indies.
He was, however, axed as captain despite Pakistan’s 3-2 success in the ODI series. He was replaced by Misbah-ul-Haq, who has been in charge of the Test side as well.
Though the board did not give official reasons for the removal, it was believed to be the result of growing differences Afridi had with coach Waqar Younis, in particular over matters of selection.
“We had very solid reasons to remove Afridi and I will reveal them when the time is right,” PCB chairman Ijaz Butt had said. “We haven’t taken this action without any reasons.”
