Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan T20I captain Shahid Afridi might not get the farewell match he wanted during the upcoming tour of West Indies to the UAE for a three-match series.

According to sources, the 36-year-old will not be included in the already announced 15-man squad as the 16th player — a move proposed by selection committee head Inzamamul Haq.

Afridi led Pakistan in 24 T20Is where the team succeeded on only 11 occasions. His personal form was also unimpressive as he averaged 14.65 with the bat and took 20 wickets during the aforementioned period.With speculations rife on the possibility of one final comeback to international cricket for Afridi, the former captain had earlier told The Express Tribune that cricketers who serve the country for long periods deserve a rousing send-off and likewise he hopes to have one in the T20I format.

“We don’t have a tradition of retiring players gracefully, which makes it tough for them to decide when to call it a day since we all have a desire of exiting on a high,” he said. “Players must exit respectfully since the ones who serve the country with distinction deserve honour. I have had a discussion with Inzi Bhai [Inzamamul Haq] who is an elder to me and we will do what is beneficial to both Pakistan cricket and my own self.”