Afridi steps down as Pakistan T20I skipper
Shahid Afridi has stepped down as Pakistan's T20I captain following the World T20 in India, but he says he will still be available to the national team as a player in the shortest format.
The 36-year-old Afridi, who has already quit Tests and ODI cricket, said last year that he intended to retire from T20Is after the global event in India but has now made a u-turn.
Pakistan faced huge criticism from former players and fans for their performance at the World T20, only beating Bangladesh, and Afridi got most of the blame.
Afridi said in a statement: "I wish to inform my fans in Pakistan and all over the world that I am relinquishing the captaincy of the T20 Pakistani team of my own volition.
"On this day, I thank Allah (SWT) for His Kindness and Mercy which enabled me to discharge my leadership duties, to the best of my abilities, for the sake of the honour and prestige of my motherland.
"For me it was a great honour to lead my country in all three formats of the game. My profound thanks to the PCB and its chairman Mr. Shahryar Khan Sb. Who gave me the honour to lead the national team.
"I would also like to inform that InshaAllah I intend to continue to play the game for my country and league cricket etc, and request my fans to kindly keep praying and supporting me for my best future performances for Pakistan (as a player); and in all other arenas of the game, world over."
Afridi had been captain of Pakistan's T20I side since 2014 when he took over leadership duties from Mohammad Hafeez.
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