Call it parting shots, but Shahid Afridi could not restrain himself about questioning the motives of some of his Pakistan team mates.
shahid afridi on balcony
Afridi quit the Pakistan captaincy after the first Test against Australia in the first Test at Lord's. Now on the eve of the second Test at Headingley, Leeds, the former Pakistan captain is lashing out at some cricketers who he thinks are simply hanging around Test cricket without the necessary talent.
Afridi stated, "As captain I tried to advise some players to avoid playing Test cricket and decide on a future but they insisted on playing Tests. They have not done justice to themselves or the team with their performances.
"I would advise all these players who don't feel comfortable or like playing Test matches to not become a burden on the team and just focus on playing one-day and T20 cricket I think the time has come for us to decide who should be playing in the Test, one-day and T20 teams."
He though refused to attribute this as a reason for his quitting Test cricket or the captaincy, calling it his own decision, "It was my own decision and it was a spur of the moment decision. I didn't consult anyone." Some would say that was typical of Afridi.
But Afridi did ask for patience with Salman Butt taking over the captaincy while also taking a dig at Australia, "I would advise everyone not to expect too much from this team in Test matches. It will take time. Salman Butt has become captain for the first time and he should seek advice and guidance from the coach and try to keep the team united. England would prove to be a tougher opponent then Australia because at the moment they are playing better cricket."
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