http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 tour after an exhaustive ICC World Cup 2011
The emotionally and physically exhausted Pakistan skipper, Shahid Afridi has decided to withdraw from the West Indies tour that starts on 18th April, after losing the ICC World Cup semi-final against India at the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Punjab-c833 Cricket Association stadium in Mohali on Wednesday.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 stormed in the World Cup finals after defeating Pakistan in a high pressure game by a margin of 29 runs.
After the arduous World Cup tour, the 33-year-old all-rounder has been unsuccessful in retaining a calm mental state, and is unprepared to embark on another grueling campaign. The dejected captain made this decision after the team’s disappointing performance in the semi-final.
"Afridi has told the Pakistan Cricket Board that he should not be considered for the coming tour as he wants to rest for a while from competitive cricket," said a board spokesperson.
In a statement made to the press, his informant announced Afridi’s decision to take a breather from the demanding pressures of the game.
"He has said that right now he is not in the state of mind to go on tour after the grueling World Cup campaign and wants a break from the game,” the informant stated.
The Captain, who retired from Test Cricket in order to concentrate on Twenty20 cricket and One-Day Internationals, concluded the World Cup tournament with 21 wickets to his credit. The cricket veteran leads the team in both forms of cricket, while http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 in January 2011. However, to much disappointment, Misbah-ul Haq also lacked fire on the pitch and is now under severe criticism for his poor pacing during the semi-final.
Chief Selector, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ijaz-Butt-c64128 will be meeting up later during this week to review the squad’s World Cup performance. The selection policy for the West Indies will then be decided.
The http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 captain offered a heart-rending apology to the nation after their loss, but maintained that he had fulfilled his promise of reaching the top-four stage. With respect to the semi-final defeat, Afridi rued over missing out some rich opportunities during the match, but appreciated the squad’s performance in the overall tournament.
Tags: