Afridi’s abrupt Test retirement would not affect his ODI, T20 captaincy

KARACHI - Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi’s abrupt decision to quit Test captaincy would not affect his one-day and T-20 leadership, sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have said.

“Afridi remains as Pakistan Cricket Board’s top choice to lead the national team in ODIs and Twenty20 Internationals at least till the World Cup next year,” The News quoted sources in the PCB, as saying.

Sources said that the PCB infact wanted Afridi to lead the side for a longer period, as he has the ability to get the best out of the team.

“In fact the board was hoping that Afridi will somehow adjust to Test cricket and continue leading Pakistan in that format as well because it believes that he is capable of getting the best out of the under-achieving team,” sources added.

Following his team’s 150-run loss against Australia in the first Test of the two match series at Lord’s, Afridi had announced that he would be stepping down as Test captain after the second match at Headingly starting Wednesday (July 21).

While announcing his retirement, Afridi said that he wanted to focus more on one-day and T20 cricket.

Afridi, however, is doubtful for the second Test, as he is suffering from a side strain. (ANI)