Afridi to quit international cricket after World T20 next year

Flamboyant Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi on Thursday announced that he will retire from international cricket after the World T20 to be held in India next year.

Afridi said his last remaining ambition is to lead Pakistan to the World T20 title next year.

"I want to not only play but also captain the Pakistan team to the T20 World Cup title," he said.

Afridi, 35, has appeared in 78 T20 Internationals, besides 27 Tests and 398 One-day Internationals.

He announced his retirement from Test cricket during the Pakistan team's tour to England in 2010 after captaining the side in just the first Test at Lord's. He retired from ODIs after the recent World Cup.

"Who does not want a happy ending to his career. I am looking at that in the T20 format. I never thought I would be at this level and play cricket for Pakistan team," he added.

He said his main aim now is to groom the next Pakistan captain for the T20 format.

"I have made up my mind but before that I want to also groom a future captain and vice-captain for this format with the Board's support," said Afridi.

Image: Shahid Afridi