Shahid Afridi has stepped down as captain of Pakistan’s T20 team, but vowed to continue playing for his country. The 36-year-old’s position was under huge pressure following a disappointing World Twenty20 campaign in which Pakistan won only one of their four matches.
“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,” Afridi’s statement read. “For me it was a great honour to lead my country in all the three formats of the game.”
The team manager, Intikhab Alam, severely criticised Afridi’s captaincy this week, describing him as “absolutely clueless in terms of on-field tactics and off-field leadership” while the coach, Waqar Younis, offered to step down from his role.
Afridi added: “I intend to continue to play the game for my country and league cricket ... and request my fans for kindly keep praying and supporting me for my best future performances for Pakistan ... and in all other arenas of the game, world over.”
