Watch: Shahid Afridi has an emotional message for his fans after he was ruled out of PSL final

In what came as a huge setback for the Peshawar Zalmi squad, former Pakistan captain and swashbuckling all-rounder Shahid Afridi has been ruled out of the final of the Pakistan Super League scheduled to be played tomorrow. Afridi severely injured his hand while fielding at covers during the eliminator clash against the Karachi Kings. He hurt his hand badly while attempting a straightforward catch against a drive from Kieron Pollard of the bowling of Hasan Ali.

Afridi was immediately rushed to first aid and received 12 stitches in his right hand. The incident happened yesterday and Afridi took to his twitter handle and wrote that irrespective of whether he plays or doesn’t play, nothing can stop Peshawar from winning the title. It surely is a big blow for them going into the final against the mighty Quetta Gladiators.

After it was officially announced that Afridi won’t take part in the final, he took to his facebook handle and shared an emotional message with his fans. “Pakistan Super League was a big challenge for me, especially after the T20 World Cup where I thought I was not able to deliver the kind of performances expected of me by my fans. I am hopeful that my fans have liked my performances in the PSL this season.

“I really wanted to play the PSL final in Lahore, in front of my own people but there are certain things which are beyond our own control. The doctors have advised me ten days of rest. But, whatever cricket is left in me is all for my fans,” he added. He announced his international retirement from international cricket midway through the tournament. “I am playing for my fans and will continue to play this league for another two years, but it is goodbye from international cricket,” he said.

Also read: Shahid Afridi ruled out of the PSL final after receiving 12 stitches

Making his international debut way back in 1996, Afridi came into the limelight in only his 2nd ODI smashing the Sri Lankan bowlers all around Nairobi. He struck a scintillating 37 balls century and his whirlwind knock remained the fastest ever century till very recently until broken by Corey Anderson in 2014 and then by AB de Villiers. Afridi also holds the record for most number of sixes in ODI’s and has 395 wickets to his credit which makes him an asset for any limited overs team.

Watch the video here