Pak Captain supports Shoaib Akhtar’s decision

Shahid Afridi

According to the fresh reports from the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has told media that Shoaib Akhtar's decision that he will retire from international cricket after the World Cup will not affect the team when they play Australia on Saturday.

The Rawalpindi Express has announced he will quit after the World Cup, ending a colourful and controversial 14-year career amid criticism his decision was ill-timed coming midway through the tournament.

While talking to media, Pak captain, S Afridi said, “He (Akhtar) has taken a right decision. He could have announced it after the World Cup, but I don't think the timing is wrong and it won't affect our team.”

Further, he denied any heart-outs between Shoaib Akhtar and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who dropped two crucial chances off the paceman during the team's 110-run defeat against New Zealand.

He said, “There was nothing serious between them, there is no breaking news in it. We have a settled combination and if we need we can play him in the remaining matches.”

He then states, “"Akhtar has won us many games, many series and now he has taken a decision after considering his fitness, so it's his own decision and it's a good decision.”

Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka have already qualified for the quarter-finals from Group A.

Friday's match between Sri Lanka and the game between Pakistan and Australia will determine where teams finish in the group.