Afridi leaves on his own terms

Sharjah - Afridi says he is now playing just for his fans

He was never one of those to play by the book. Ever since he broke on to the scene as a 16-year-old, Shahid Afridi has played on his terms.
That epic hundred against Sri Lanka in 1996, the fastest at that time, announced Afridi to the world. Whether you love or loathe him, Afridi is one of those rare breed of men who has does his own thing. And he is probably one of those few cricketers who has earned the respect of fans from across the border.
And now, at the twilight of his career, Afridi has left on his terms. After the Pakistan cricket establishment had denied him a farewell from international, Afridi, now 36, gave himself one.

He conjured another one of those epics, which turned back the years, conjuring a 28-ball 54 which had kept Peshawar Zalmi in the chase against the Karachi Kings in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL).
And Afridi revealed thereafter that he had closed the chapter on his international cricket and was now playing just for his fans.
"No, Khuda Hafiz (goodbye). It is all over," a relieved Afridi said.
"I think I've discussed it before. Whatever cricket is left, it is for the League. All these matches that I'm playing, it is not for making a Pakistan comeback. I think I still do have some fans for whom I'm playing and continuing and enjoying it.
"I'm playing cricket for my fans, whatever is left of me, I will play for another two years. And what is important for me right now is my foundation and I want to concentrate on that. Whatever cricket I could play, serious cricket or professional cricket for my country, I have done that. Now, I'm playing for my fans and my foundation is very important to me," he added.
Meanwhile, Afridi also weighed in on having the PSL final in Pakistan.
 "The whole purpose behind having the PSL was to bring cricket back to Pakistan. It is very important and I strongly feel that the final should be played in Lahore. The board should look at the situation and if something comes up, we have another option as well. We have the Pindi stadium, we have the Karachi stadium, so, we do have options. And I hope that the board makes a good decision," he said.
"But the final which has been announced, should happen, no matter if overseas players come or not. We can play the final with the Pakistan players. But I would like to take the opportunity to request the overseas players that they have supported the PSL so far and they could come there and support for one match there," felt Afridi.
james@khaleejtimes.com