Shahid Khan Afridi has decided to step down as a captain of the Twenty20 squad. He took the social media to release a statement on Sunday which made it clear that “Boom Boom” will no longer continue to lead Pakistan in the 20 over format, but will be available for selection.
On his official Twitter account, Afridi said: “Today I wish to inform my fans in Pakistan and all over the world that I am relinquishing the captaincy of the T20 Pakistani team of my own volition.”
He also added that: “For me, it was a great honour to lead my country in all three formats of the game.”
Afridi, who didn’t shine at the World T20, took Facebook as the medium to launch a video message in which he apologized to the people of Pakistan for his unlikely performances at the grandest stage and also asked for the support of the Pakistan fans in his future endeavors.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar Khan said good words regarding Afridi’s statement.
He said: “I respect Afridi’s decision over the matter. He displayed a sense of maturity and showed responsibility by apologizing to the nation.”
As the slot for the captain’s seat is vacant, wicket-keeper, batsman Sarfraz Ahmed is a supreme candidate for the position, as the chairman himself spoke of him.
Pakistan next face England in a full fledge series, which comprises of four Tests, five One-Day Internationals and a single Twenty20 match. The away tour looks set to start in the month of July.