Twitter Reactions: Shahid Afridi once again plays the retirement prank

The World T20 2016 was expected to be the last mega event of a few players and one among them was Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi. The all-rounder had prior to the tournament stated that this will be his last international assignment and since he had already retired from ODIs after the World Cup 2015 at the end of Pakistan’s World T20 campaign he would conclude his international cricketing career. But, it didn’t look so after one heard his mind following their last league game against Australia. In the post match presentation, Afridi had said. “I’ll go back home and then make a decision [about retirement]. I’ll do what’s best for the country. I will announce this in my country. It’s not easy to handle pressure as Pakistan captain. I want to thank the management, the players, the selection committee and the chairman who have supported me.”

And today with a tweet he announced that he would like to step down as the captain but wishes to render his services to the national team as a player.

“Today I wish to inform my fans in Pakistan & all over the world that I am relinquishing the captaincy of the T20 Pakistani team of my own volition. On this day, I thank Allah (SWT) for His Kindness and Mercy which enabled me to discharge my leadership duties, to the best of my abilities, for the sake of honour and prestige of my motherland. “

“I would also like to inform that Insha Allah I intend to continue to play the game for my country and league cricket ect.., and request my fans for kindly keep praying and supporting me for my best future performances for Pakistan (as a player); and in all other arenas of the game, world over.” He said.

It was definite to attract a lot of attention on twitter and here is how Twitter reacted to Shahid Afridi’s yet another retirement bluff:

#ShahidAfridi steps down as Pakistan's T20 captain but says he has not retired yet & wants to continue playing!

— Swapnil Mistri (@swapnilmistri1) April 3, 2016

Shahid Afridi steps down as captain and retired his thought of retiring from the team………. yet again!

— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) April 3, 2016

Shahid Afridi resigns as T20 captain, will continue to play until the end of times.? #PCB #ShahisAfridi

— H. Warsi? (@hum_sa411) April 3, 2016

It's sad that Shahid Afridi wasn't born on February 29th. He could have then celebrated his 18th birthday somewhere close to 2050

— Shashi (@AllTimeBakchod) February 29, 2016

He: I love you, will you be my gf?
She: I will tell you my answer by the time Shahid Afridi retires.
He: Seedha na hi bol de.#HeSheStories

— Shubh AggarWall (@shubh_chintak) April 3, 2016

*Shahid Afridi announces retirement*

Shahid Afridi fans: Lala, please dont retire.

Shahid Afridi: OK.

— Shubh AggarWall (@shubh_chintak) April 3, 2016

Strangely, the graphic of Shahid Afridi's press release is being flagged for me on the Twitter web site as "sensitive material"

— Rick Eyre on cricket (@rickeyrecricket) April 3, 2016

Pic 1: Expecting retirement post from Shahid Afridi
Pic 2: When Afridi cancels retirement. #PAK #WT20 pic.twitter.com/e3D03ON6xV

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) April 3, 2016

There r some players who want to retire at 31 n there is shahid Afridi ??

— Akhil (@akhil10193) April 3, 2016

Retiring or not is up to @SAfridiOfficial. But he doesn't warrant a place in the team on performance. Shouldn't be selected.

— M Ansari (@ansarim) April 3, 2016

After hearing that Shahid Afridi is still not retiring the whole world is like !! pic.twitter.com/Ihg3ZcfQ5L

— Controversial Rana (@RmShazib) April 3, 2016

Shahid Afridi's stats as #Pak T20I captain:
Matches 43
Won 19
Lost 24
Win percentage 44.18% (lowest by any Pakistan T20I captain)#Cricket

— MohaMMad FawaD AwaN (@malik5311) April 3, 2016

@SAfridiOfficial pic.twitter.com/e8wINrouTi

— Rafay (@Rafay_SE) April 3, 2016

[YEAR 2085]

-Aliens have attacked planet earth for water
-Human race is dying out
-Shahid Afridi announces retirement for the 34th time

— LOLendra Singh (@LOLendraSingh) April 3, 2016

When people can suggest the best decision you ever made in a job was to resign from it, you probably are in the wrong job. #Afridi

— Pavilion Opinions (@pavilionopinion) April 3, 2016

Shahid Afridi, every time he retires! pic.twitter.com/Oj8x3G2c8S

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) April 3, 2016

Mixed feelings: Happy that #Afridi is not retiring. Sad that my 1500 word already-written-tribute down in drain. Should have known 😛

— jigar mehta (@jigsactin) April 3, 2016

https://twitter.com/nainkatary/status/716578928769368065

Pic1:- Pakistani fans after Afridi's last match.
Pic2:- Pakistani fans when they learnt it wasn't his last match. pic.twitter.com/QbHG2ZOEvP

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) April 3, 2016

What did he say in the statement? – Shahid Afridi drops retirement plan, steps down as captain