Shahid Afridi has said he is “strong, fit and in good shape” to come back from the wild period he spent out of the Pakistan limited-overs side due to his retirement. Afridi had made himself available for selection after Zaka Ashraf succeeded Ijaz Butt as PCB chairman and was named on Wednesday in the ODI and Twenty20 squads for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka in the UAE. His selection came hours after he met Ashraf in Lahore. Afridi last played for Pakistan in the West Indies in May, when he had a public falling-out with the coach Waqar Younis. He was replaced by Misbah-ul-Haq as captain in the limited-overs formats, after which he announced his retirement, saying that he would not play for Pakistan under that administration.
“It’s obviously very tough to be out in such a manner. It indeed was a very difficult time and I am happy that I am back,” Afridi said. “I am strong, fit and in good shape to cover the wild period I had lost during the time of retirement. “I was well supported by the seniors in the team and also by Misbah, which is really good. Now I am ready to contribute in the team as a senior player.”
“I am focusing on maintaining my all-round abilities. I had a successful county stint, which gave me ample confidence of doing well in both departments.”
Afridi confident of playing long innings
