Shahid Afridi rejects PCB's offer for a 'befitting' farewell

Retired legendary Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi politely refused Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Executive Committee Chairman’s proposal for a ‘befitting’ farewell offer along with the likes of Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan after the conclusion of Pakistan’s Test series against West Indies.

PCB executive committee chairman Najam Sethi took to social media to discuss the occasion and plan the farewell accordingly. However, citing to his personal commitments, Afridi called himself unavailable for the occasion.

“Thank you for the meeting and farewell offers @najamsethi. Unfortunately, due to my commitments, I won’t be able to take them” tweeted the explosive right-hander. Later on, he wished the two stalwarts of Pakistan Test cricket, Misbah, and Younis, for their proper farewell and only hope the trend followed in the coming years.

Thank you for the meeting and farewell offers @najamsethi. Unfortunately due to my commitments I won't be able to take them 1/2

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 28, 2017

“My desire was to set a new trend. I’m very happy that Misbah&Younis are getting proper farewells. I hope this trend will continue in future” tweeted the 36-year old.

My desire was to set a new trend. I'm very happy that Misbah&Younis are getting proper farewells. I hope this trend will continue in future.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 28, 2017

Earlier, the former skipper caught all the headlines after he demanded a proper farewell after announcing his retirement. “Farewell match is my right” said Afridi.

He demanded a farewell match in the recently concluded T20 series against the West Indies, but his request was put down by the PCB. The Board defended the move by replying that there was no spot vacant for the allrounder.

One of the legends of ODI cricket, he has played as many as 398 games and accumulated over 8,000 runs at an astounding strike rate of 117. He also held the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket for a long time which was recently broken by South African AB de Villiers. He also holds the record for most number of sixes in ODI with 351 sixes.

Sethi, who is also the chief of PSL, took to social media and tweeted by saying “@iamusmanafridi_ @usmansatti93 @SAfridiOfficial The only hero is Lala @SAfridiOfficial. We just chatted and set up a time to meet and discuss a fitting Farewell!”.

He further added,”Congrats @SAfridiOfficial on a new role as ICC Ambassador. Great honour. Love you Lala!”

@iamusmanafridi_ @usmansatti93 @SAfridiOfficial The only hero is Lala @SAfridiOfficial. We just chatted and set up a time to meet and discuss a fitting Farewell! ?

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) April 14, 2017

Congrats @SAfridiOfficial on new role as ICC Ambassador. Great honour. Love you Lala!

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) April 14, 2017

After Afridi rejected their proposal Sethi replied saying, “We respect @SAfridiOfficial decision not to play Farewell match,”

We respect @SAfridiOfficial decision not to play Farewell match. PCB will organise grand farewell for Lala like Misbah and Younas. 3 Heroes!

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) April 28, 2017