Pakistan’s dashing all-rounder Shahid Afridi has quashed talk of retirement, saying he will continue playing for his country in Twenty20 internationals.
In an interview with BBC Urdu on Sunday, Afridi said he is not eager to make a comeback to the 50-over format from which he retired after playing in the 2015 World Cup, having led the country when they reached the semifinals of the 2011 event.
Afridi wants to continue playing T20 cricket though there were questions about his future role after Pakistan failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2016 World Twenty20 in India under his leadership.
“I wish to continue playing T20, ODI cricket, whether it is at national or domestic level or leagues … I think I am fit for the game,” he said in response to questions posted by fans on Facebook Live.
Afridi also said he would enter politics later in life but would be focussing on his charity work for now.
“I wish to enter politics but some well wishers and elders advice me against it,” the 36-year-old said when asked whether he would be entering politics after having been seen frequently with former Pakistan captain turned politician Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan.
“Who is a politician? In my eyes, a politician is a servant of the people and he should serve people. I can do that without entering politics through my welfare organisation,” he added.
Afridi said his main focus is his Shahid Afridi Foundation and is keen ambition to establish a school for the less privileged.