Afridi’s routine dilemma: To retire or not

Dubai, February 24 

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Pakistan’s flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi is reconsidering his decision to retire from international cricket at the end of ICC World T20 as he is facing “huge pressure” from family members and friends.

On the threshold of his 36th birthday, Afridi is leading Pakistan in the five-nation Asia Cup T20 in Bangladesh and had announced earlier that he would retire from the shortest format at the end the World T20 in India.

Afridi had retired from One-day cricket last year, following his departure from the Test arena in 2010.

“For a while now there has been a lot of pressure from my family, a lot of pressure from my friends, including my elders, who say there is no need for me to retire from T20. That is a huge pressure,” Afridi told a cricket website. 

“For now, in truth, I am focusing only on the World Cup. That is a huge challenge for me,” said Afridi. 

Pakistan play India in their first match on Saturday in the Asia Cup. Afridi is the highest wicket-taker in the shortest format of the game with 91 in 90 matches.

He said his final decision on retirement will also depend on his performance in the Asia Cup and World T20. — PTI