Shahid Afridi will retire the moment he stops contributing to the team, informed the Pakistani after their practice session at Mirpur yesterday. The hard striker of the ball, who has often been criticised for his irresponsible batting effort, silenced the critics with his back to back winnings knocks that helped the defending champions reach the final in the Asia Cup.
Afridi’s unbeaten 18-ball 34, including two sixes in the last over when Pakistan needed 10 to win, helped them beat India by one wicket. While in the previous game against Bangladesh Afridi came in when they were in deep trouble needing 102 off 52 balls. The strong Pathan struck seven big sixes and two fours to make 59 from 25 balls, which was enough to overcome the highest Bangladesh ODI total 326.
“I will sideline myself, the moment I start thinking that I'm getting a burden on my team. I will not let anyone an opportunity to talk,” said Afridi. “It's not normal to not have pressure on me. There is always pressure on me because of my batting position. The required run-rate is always above nine or 10 runs,” he said.
“I just knew that both the matches were important for Pakistan to win. There are many reasons that I won't like to discuss but both of them were very important for me as well as the country,” said Afridi.
The 34-year-old also said they are only focusing on the Asia Cup final and their momentum has shifted at the right time.
“I'm not looking that ahead. I and my team's focus is just on the Asia Cup final at the moment. I've already mentioned before how important for us is the series is. The World Twenty20 is coming up after this. I think we peaked at the right time that was the requirement,” he added.
The all-rounder also added that he gives his leg-spin just as much importance as he gives to his batting. He said, “There is no such thing that you will score runs with the bat every day. I've given my focus to bowling as well. I want to get myself ready in such a way that I deliver to the team, be it in batting or bowling. This is not the stage for me to occupy a slot in the side. I want to give something to my country with my performance,” he added.
One of the most popular cricketer and who has a huge fan base in Bangladesh, Afridi also thanked the crowd for their support against India. “Obviously it backs you. I am thankful to the Bangladesh crowd for the way they supported us (during the match against India). It's really a good thing for us,” he said.
