Why Shahid Afridi Official deserves a farewell

BLOG: Why Shahid Afridi Official deserves a farewell

There is much debate on whether Shahid Afridi deserves to play a farewell T20 match or not. The cricketer who is known the world over as ‘Boom Boom’ has a loyal fan following while at the same time he has been called selfish and arrogant by several cricket pundits.

I have always been on the fence when it came to Afridi. For me, his failures greatly outweighed his triumphs. Countless times ‘Boom Boom’ failed to deliver because he refused to change his sloggers approach to batting. There were several instances where I wished I could have asked him: ‘why Afridi why?’

So when I woke up this morning the last thing on my mind was Shahid Afridi. He was already a player of the past. But then a video on Facebook reminded me that despite the pain he had caused, Shahid Afridi was a game changer and one of the few Pakistani cricketers capable of snatching victory from the clutches of defeat.

So what was in this video which made me change my mind?

Remember the time in 2014 when Pakistan was playing India in the Asia Cup and needed nine runs of the last four balls? When all seemed lost and with only Afridi and Junaid Khan left on the crease, it was ‘Boom Boom’ who lived up to his billing. Shahid Afridi smashed two consecutive sixes, and just like that the match was over.

Watching this video clip made me realise that this is Shahid Afridi we are talking about and there should be no question on him getting to play a farewell match. Let’s not forget that it was Afridi who won us the T20 world cup against all odds. When it mattered the most Shahid Afridi delivered. He was named man-of-the-match in Pakistan’s semi-final win against South Africa and then against Sri Lanka in the final. Had it not been for Shahid Afridi, Pakistan would not have won the T20 World Cup, depriving the nation of a great moment in its sport history.

So as the debate on letting Afridi play heats up, just remember that despite his shortcomings he is truly one of greatest sport heroes Pakistan has seen and deserves a befitting end to his career.

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WasimAkram has stepped in to play the role of a mediator between the two former captains ShahidAfridiand JavedMiandad.

- Former captain and ‘Swing ka Sultan’ WasimAkram has stepped in to play the role of a mediator between the two former captains ShahidAfridi and JavedMiandad . Afridi and Miandad got involved in an ugly war of words on Sunday, when Afridi said that Miandad was always talking about money. In response, Miandad accused Afridi of being involved in match fixing. But on Tuesday, Wasim Akram stepped in and spoke to Shahid Afridi in an attempt to defuse the tension after Afridi 's intention to initiate legal action against Miandad . "I spoke to Afridi and told him to let it go, Miandad is a senior and he should not drag the issue further in public like this," Wasim told GeoNews .

Mohammad Hafeez ready for come back once again

Mohammad Hafeez: "I am ready to take the bowling test anytime now as I have also worked on correcting any flaws in my action so whenever the PCB tells me I will go for the tests." "I had delayed taking the ICC bowling assessment test because I was not 100 percent fit because of my knee problem" "I have focussed fully on my batting since I coudn't bowl and I think except for a few matches I have generally delivered the goods as a batsman." "The form is also there but now it is up to the selectors to decide whether my experience is required for the Tests in New Zealand and Australia." "I am keen to make the test squad in New Zealand and Australia but whatever decision the selectors take it would be for the best of the team and can accept that. "

Highest successful run chases in ODIs:

Incredible chase this by South Africa, they chased 372 runs v Australia and win the match by 4 wickets. Fantastic match winning century by David Miller. Phehlukwayo was excellent! South Africa win the series 3-0 with 2 more ODIs to go v Australia. Highest successful run chases in ODIs: South Africa 438-9 v Australia South Africa 372-6 v Australia India 362-1 v Australia India 351-4 v Australia England 350-3 v New Zealand New Zealand 350-9 v Australia. New Zealand 340-5 v Australia.

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