Shahid Afridi hints at Pakistan retirement

Omnisports

March 22, 2016 5:40 AM

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi appears set to end his impressive international career after the World Twenty20.

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Shahid Afridi revealed that Pakistan's World Twenty20 match against Australia on Friday could be his last at international level.

Pakistan's hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals of the World T20 suffered a major blow when New Zealand consigned them to a 22-run defeat in Mohali on Tuesday following a loss to arch-rivals and hosts India.

Critics rounded on T20 captain Afridi, 36, and coach Waqar Younis after the defeat against India, having let their feelings be known following a poor Asia Cup showing in Bangladesh.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said on the eve of the defeat to the Black Caps that he was under the impression Afridi would retire from international cricket following the World T20.

Khan also stated that Afridi may not keep his place in the side after the tournament in India, let alone the captaincy, if he opts to prolong his career but Afridi stated that he may call time on his Pakistan playing days following Friday's game in Mohali.

Afridi, who has played 97 T20s, 398 one-day internationals and 27 Tests, said: "In every game, we're making errors and it's not good for us. Maybe the next game will be the last one of my career. We have to forget this game and focus on Australia."

Waqar's position has also been called into question, but the Pakistan coach appears keen to stay on in the role.

He said: "I'll go back and have a look and try to make people understand we're in control. If they don't agree that's entirely up to them."

Martin Guptill's magnificent 80 off only 48 balls enabled New Zealand to become the first team to reach the semi-finals, with Pakistan only able to muster 158-5 in reply to 180-5 despite early fireworks from Sharjeel Khan (47 from 25).

Omnisports

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