No retirement plans for evergreen Afridi

The ongoing saga surrounding Shahid Afridi’s playing future has rolled on after the Pakistan veteran vowed he had no plans to call time on his two-decade long career.

Afridi hasn’t represented the national side since they were bundled out of the group stage of the World T20 earlier this year under his leadership and there’s since been intense speculation in the Pakistan media.

But the allrounder, who has been capped more than 500 times in all formats since his international debut over 20 years ago, insists he’s willing to play on for Pakistan but says his future is out of his control.

"I don't think my career is over and I am enjoying myself and I will continue to play at the highest level,” Afridi told reporters in Peshawar.

“As far as Pakistan selection is concerned that is for the selectors to decide.”

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Afridi played for Hampshire in England’s domestic T20 tournament during the northern summer and more recently has turned out for Ranpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League.

He expressed his willingness to play in this summer’s KFC Big Bash League earlier this year, having last played in the tournament for the Melbourne Renegades in BBL|01.

There was speculation Afridi would receive a farewell match during Pakistan’s T20 International series against the West Indies in September but he wasn’t selected in the squad.

Afridi insists he hasn’t been holding out for a send-off game for Pakistan.

"I have played 20 years of international cricket for Pakistan and not the PCB,” he said.

“And I am not dependent on anyone for a match.

“The love and support I have got and get from my well wishers and fans is enough reward for me.”

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi told the Press Trust of India the governing body remained on good terms with Afridi and that he’d get appropriate farewell at some stage.

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