Pakistan cricket continues to court controversy after retired former captain Shahid Afridi expressed his desire to return to international cricket as soon as "conditions improve in the team management and administration."
The all-rounder, who was removed as captain of the national one-day team last month and then got entangled into a tussle with the Pakistan Cricket Board will appear for Hampshire in the English domestic Twenty20 competition.
"I am happy that I am getting a chance to play for Hampshire because wherever I play at the end of the day I am recognized as a Pakistani and if I do well it is Pakistan cricket that gets a good name," Afridi told reporters at the airport.
Afridi’s problems with the PCB began during Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies where he had disagreements with team management including coach Waqar Younis. But despite announcing his retirement, Afridi has left an option open for him to return to play for Pakistan.
"I want to play for Pakistan again because whatever I am today it is because of Pakistan. My identity is that of a Pakistani player. And nothing is more important than that for me," Afridi said.
"The moment conditions improve in the team management and administration I will try to make a comeback. Right now I just feel that the environment and conditions is not conducive for me to play international cricket.
"I still have lot of top cricket left in me but it all depends on the circumstances but I am clear in my mind that I still have lot to offer to the national team," he added.
The 31-year-old shocked the cricket world by announcing his retirement, but he has reiterated his stance that he would not play for Pakistan until the present board set-up led by Chairman Ijaz Butt is replaced.
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