Afridi keen to play Ireland series

Pakistan’s one-day cricket captain Shahid Afridi has said he is available for the two ODIs against Ireland later this month. Afridi also played down reports that he had a serious rift with head coach Waqar Younis over selection matters. The PCB has indicated that it might send the same team that is playing the Test series in the West Indies to play the series against Ireland on the way back home from the Caribbean. But Afridi said he was keen to play against Ireland and would also be in England at the same time playing for Hampshire. The all-rounder will play for Hampshire for their Twenty20 campaign where he will join South Africa spinner Imran Tahir. Afridi, however, said it would be up to the PCB to decide on his fate for the series. “In my reply I cleared that I had no intentions to target any individual or violate the code of conduct,” he said. “I’ve tried to convince the PCB that it was a general comment which I often give in the interest of the team. I’d be happy to play but it’s up to the board to decide on my selection.” However, the PCB has not yet made any decision over his inclusion.