Afridi quits captaincy

ISLAMABAD — Shahid Afridi Sunday announced he would step down as Pakistan’s captain in the game’s shortest format following his team’s early exit from the World Twenty20 in which he was branded “absolutely clueless” by his manager. The 36-year-old, nicknamed “Boom Boom” for his fierce hitting, had suffered a drop in form over the past two years and was unable to steer Pakistan through the group stages of the competition in India. “Today I wish to inform my fans in Pakistan & all over the world that I am relinquishing the captaincy of the T20 Pakistani team of my own volition,” he said in a statement. Afridi was appointed T20 captain for the second time in 2014, with his contract set to expire following the World T20 in India in 2016. He led the team to the semifinals of the same tournament in a previous stint as captain in 2010, but was removed a year later. In 43 matches as captain, he led his team to 19 wins, 23 losses and one tie. “For me it was a great honor to lead my country,” he said. “I intend to continue to play the game for my country and league etc., and request my fans for kindly keep praying and supporting me for my best future performances for Pakistan (as a player).” — AFP