Shahid Afridi wants a ‘fitting’ farewell for Pakistan legends

Shahid Afridi has lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board with most of the players not getting a fitting farewell following their announcing of retirement. Most players who announce their retirements are usually given massive send-offs, the most recent being Sri Lankan talisman Tillakaratne Dilshan.

Speaking about the same, Afridi said that it was a disgrace that the PCB did not have a tradition of players retiring with their heads held high. “We don’t have a tradition of retiring players gracefully, which makes it tough for them to decide when to call it a day since we all have a desire of exiting on a high.

Shahid Afridi went on to reveal the discussion he had with chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq about the same.  “Players must exit respectfully since the ones who serve the country with distinction deserve the honour. I have had a discussion with Inzi Bhai [Inzamamul Haq] who is an elder to me and we will do what is beneficial to both Pakistan cricket and my own self.”

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Afridi also went on to add that the Pakistan Cricket Board must take a much bigger responsibility when it comes to helping players reaching big heights. “I have always maintained that cricket board is like the head of the family and rather than communicating through media, we need to have a close-knit relationship with PCB officials.”

The 36-year old also went on to reveal that he wanted to retire after the conclusion of the World T20 in India earlier this year. He also went on to post an emotional video for all the Pakistani fans in the aftermath of the tournament. “I wanted to retire after the World T20 in India and unfortunately it didn’t pan out the way I or my fans had wished since we bowed out in the first round.”

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