Afridi says he is 'ready' for Tests

Posted by Khuramp on (May 25, 2010, 15:47 GMT)

I would definately include Afridi in all formats of the game. As frustrating as his batting is he can turn the game on his own plus his bowling and fielding alone merit his inclusion. A true baber sher! big shout out to anyone from Jada jhelum. yoohooo

Posted by   on (May 25, 2010, 15:42 GMT)

its the first time pcb's decision was d right one...finally the sher is back in all formats of the game with his crown(captaincy). i belive the probables of 15 should be chosen rightly... i think yet there is a lack in 35 probables i.e imran nazir..my ODI 15 r 1.afridi 2.kamran akmal 3.umar akmal 4. abdul razzaq 5. shoaib malik 6.salman butt 7.imran farhat 8.shoaib akthar 9.umar gul 10.mohammed aamir 11.mohammed asif 12.saeed ajmal 13.abdur rehman 14.hafeez 15.yasir hameed my test squad 1.afridi 2.kamran akmal 3.umar akmal 4. abdul razzaq 5. shoaib malik 6.salman butt 7.imran farhat 8.shoaib akthar 9.umar gul 10.mohammed aamir 11.mohammed asif 12.saeed ajmal 13.abdur rehman 14.danish kaneria 15.younis khan i would recommend this probable to be on the field till 2011 end for its gonna be the good chance for pakistan winning world cup...insha allah expecting them to give their 1000% all round performance....aameen..

Posted by FIPL on (May 25, 2010, 15:42 GMT)

Great news, not only Afridi come back into test squad but also named Captain for this summner for Aisa Cup & England tour, also good to see Younis Khan and Shoaib Akhtar making a comeback, he will be very handy in test with M. Aamer & M. Asif but also very much disopinted seeing Shoaib Malik's name in the squad, We gona have a good summer this time for SURE

Posted by cgkirtikar on (May 25, 2010, 14:23 GMT)

you gotta be kidding me !! irrespective of his test match average of 37, he has gotta be the most over rated, under performing cricketer ever !! he is the first batsman whose innings duration can actually be predicted from ball one ! whatever the condition, he always goes for a big shot and holes out ! this is a joke !! its a shame to see a talented cricketing nation go to waste ! greats like wasim and imran must be crying tears of blood !! dedication and responsibility go hand in hand. someone younger needs to be given the reins. I am sure an under 19 player from pak's young boys could do a better job than afridi. their progress in the t20 world cup, was anything but afridi's doing....pak fans will get to witness some more nonsense if afridi is made the test captain. RIP Pak cricket !!

Posted by pakspin on (May 24, 2010, 16:53 GMT)

Afridi in test matches too? The Indians bowlers are going to consider retirement..lol..they were so thankful that he was out of that format..seeing him in whites will cause many of them to lose sleep..he's a genuine alrounder...he can be in the test squad just for his bowling alone and yet he .averages 37 batting in tests...what more do you want from him? He is indeed a terrorist..one who terrorizes the Indian "pacemen" if they can be called that.

Posted by Nameez on (May 24, 2010, 9:57 GMT)

SHAHID KHAN AFRIDI, even the ball is scared when afridi is batting, well thats wat u call the BOOM BOOM effect ha, wel afridi its time again to play TEST cricet!!! ALL Da best brother!!!

Posted by adnansh on (May 24, 2010, 3:24 GMT)

Finally, the man-boy gets some sense! For Shahid's detractors, all I can say is give him a break for once! xeriously, with a batting averageof over 37, 5 hundreds and 8 fifties - some of them very memorable and in difficult conditions - his claim to even a pure batting slot, let alone ihis much improved bowling, is far more logical than many others. Why he had 'opted' out of test cricket in the first place, I can only attribute to his (rather annoying / continuing) childish streak. So he can be very immature - big deal. Shahid is a true talent by every measure. The lad is most welcome in my book!

Posted by wasim_007 on (May 24, 2010, 2:47 GMT)

Afridi:....good news....we are missing you in White Dress...you had a great career in test remember your performance with Bat and Ball against Indian in India and in Pakistan...love you!!!....You can become test great...lol....Please play test you can break a lot of world record!!! God knows what can you do in cricket but play in your natural style and see the ball before hitting it. Come on Afridi come on.....I want to see (A & A) Afridi and Akhtar demolishing opponent in all format of game.....win against England and beat this time Australia...you both can do it man....Bring back Imran Nazir also he is asset to the team.....we all love you.....and pray to Got that you become great.....We are with you..Afridi and Akhtar..

Posted by   on (May 23, 2010, 23:51 GMT)

Definitely a great news for all PAK cricket lovers!!!!!:D!!...WELCOME BACK Afridi!!!!,we all surely are keen to see you back in action at test cricket,ALL THE VERY BEST!!!.

Posted by   on (May 23, 2010, 23:32 GMT)

Its obvious why he changed his decision. He senses he will be made captain in all formats. Lets see how he does.

Posted by cricsans on (May 23, 2010, 20:30 GMT)

Of course like any teenager, Afridi has a tendency to be naughty. OK, he has been caught scuffing the pitch, trying to chew a cricket ball.

As the only teenager in the Pakistan team, he has been shocked by the attitude of some of his team mates - who can only think of girls and running after girls.

Afridi is only 17; he shouldn't rush to play Test matches.

Posted by   on (May 23, 2010, 19:47 GMT)

Afridi can be a test player again. but he is not a good captain he just can not handle the preasure of the five day game

Posted by KEJ4ever on (May 23, 2010, 19:33 GMT)

This guy is a bigger joke than Pak cricket. Chose someone else as capt. and id like to see if he is still interested in tests. He is just desperate for captaincy and he has made it be known again.

Posted by ShahzanHaiderBukhari on (May 23, 2010, 19:29 GMT)

This is really a great news for Pakistan team's fans. I'll never forget Afridi's superb performance against India in test when he scored his first century by smashing couple of boundaries reviving his aggressive style in ODI and T20. Above all, when he thrashed Harbhajan Singh for four consecutive master blaster sixes. I wish Afridi would revive the same gusto and performance against England and Australia as well. To thrash India is not that much praiseworthy as many of the records have been made against them. All most every test playing countries have made records against India in all formats of cricket. Afridi can do miracles in tests also as he has been doing in ODIs and T20s. We all pray for Pakistan's succcess and Afridi's historical performance. Go Pakistan!!! Go Afridi!!!

Posted by Whisperofdeath on (May 23, 2010, 19:16 GMT)

No hard feelings, this is toltally my opinion. Shahid Afridi is just an entertainer, he was never a accompish cricketer. He play one or two game fantastic and surprise everyone but the rest of the 15 game he is off color. He is aggressive because agression is his thing he is born that way. If, I have to pick aggressive player around the world, Afridi will not be in top five. A player who was warn many time bringing game to disrepute, in Pakistan against England he was working with his boots on the pitch caught in camera the last time bitting the ball caught in camera. I think selectors should bring new blood and say thank you to Afridi or any cheat like him. Do not forget they make tons of money.....

Posted by svenkat02 on (May 23, 2010, 18:19 GMT)

Right now with the situation Pakistan are in, getting Afridi back in might not be a bad choice after all (even though his style of cricket is not at all suited for tests). Pakistan need to find better batsman for the future who can play for them in test cricket. With not much cricket being played in their country, development of cricketers could be hit and hope they counter it well.

Posted by JibranSial on (May 23, 2010, 17:52 GMT)

I would like to see a team with Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, Younis Khan and Umar Gul, taking on the Aussies in England... These are aggressive players and with the Akmal brothers, Asif, Aamer and Kaneria, I think we would have a pretty good team which would be aggressive as well as skillful. Afridi, Shoaib and Younis would add so much to the test team which is Seriously lacking any experience...

Posted by FIPL on (May 23, 2010, 14:38 GMT)

Afridi definatley deserve a place in test cricket, and i have to say that he earned his place, i am totaly agree that his bowling, feilding and don't forget the most important lefting and charing the team difficult sitution, covers his batting, and don't forget, Pakistan is playing against AUS & ENG in England, where they pitches support Afridi's style of bowling and after the defeat against AUS, he is very hungry to perform better against AUS and @ ROCK-Sharks, if india can play with rivinder jadeja, yousuf pathan, SA with van der merwe, and etc Why can't pakistan with Afridi who is far much better then above montioned. I want to see Shoiab Akhter given an other chance in test and return of Younis Khan & M Yousuf. Malik, Misbah and Raazak Should stay away from test team.

Posted by   on (May 23, 2010, 14:35 GMT)

A 'message' to Gupta.Ankur

Can U name ANY Indian all-rounder as good as Afridi??

OK I'll agree Afridi has to change his attacking mindset but Indians haven't proven to shine with ALL-ROUNDERS!!!

LOL!!! GO PAKISTAN

Posted by Himayun on (May 23, 2010, 14:08 GMT)

Well Afridi would definitely play in any form of cricket as long as he is the captain. He would really provide the solid backbone to our fragile batting with his current form. He would also provide great help to late swing bowlers by roughing up the ball.

On the English wickets only the real players would perform the others would be cut down to size. After throwing the two most solid batsmen in Pakistan's history (Younus and Yousuf) the rest of the clowns who have very low batting averages would bring in true "glory" to Pakistan.

In short I am really delighted that Afridi decided to play tests now the results would reveal who the real Afridi is? H. Mirza USA

Posted by M_H_K on (May 23, 2010, 14:02 GMT)

If all the Indians here are against Afridi, It means Afridi decision to come back to test cricket is right :p Come On AFRIDI.

Posted by ShaliJ on (May 23, 2010, 14:00 GMT)

Even though he return to the test side I think he shouldn't be the captain of the Pakistan side.Because he is not much experience in test.Test is very different from limited overs matches because players must need more consistency and concentration to the game to play a test match.For an example lets take the England side;Collingwood is the captain of England's T20 side and he plays in the test side too.But the captain of the England test side Andrew Strauss.In test we don't need sloggers, we need watchful players.Hope Afridi becomes a watchful player.But I don't see as him as the captain of the Pakistan TEST team in this present situation.

Posted by Acton49 on (May 23, 2010, 11:53 GMT)

1951 says Mr. Shahid Ali Khan Afridi, is like a spent cartridge lightsun says Afridi has nothing on Warne and Sachin naeem-butt says I can see that Afridi can do the same as Steve Waugh did for Australia Ghazan Awan says Afridi is the worst possible role model for any cricket nation, he has been involve in so many wrong acts on the cricket field while representing Pakistan, damaging the pitch, biting the ball, inviting girls to his team hotel ranmal99 says Afridi shud learn to play cricket before he dreams of being a captain. I can't really take this as serious. I agree with all the above comments except for naeem-butt what Afridi being compared to Steve Waugh . For the people who think AFridi is the saviour of Pakistan cricket, then I would say Salman Butt is the best alround player pakistan has produced. He is shelfish, cannot field and certainaly cannot run. What will be in store for Pakistan in England without Mohammed Yousef and Younis Khan!

Posted by haha123456 on (May 23, 2010, 10:46 GMT)

Yes This is a Very Good News for Pakistan. Definitely Afridi will add more options to Pakistan Test Team and Pak team can start winning the matches once Afridi starts playing test. Actually he is a better bowler than DanishKaneria but unfortunately his talent was not utilised well by others and Afridi himself. He is a match winner in any form of cricket let alone by batting or bowling. Good luck Afridi!!

Posted by jaanaj300 on (May 23, 2010, 10:09 GMT)

afrdid makes a right decission rock afrdidi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pakistan zindabad!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Imran711 on (May 23, 2010, 10:04 GMT)

Shaid Afridi, he is a one of the best all rounder in the world. Why he Cannot play for the test match. A Test match does not need all the players should be all rounder. Afridi he is a good bowler & Fielder. Pak they lost the Series to Aus because of pour bawling and Fielding. Why Pak didn't get the world cup when Wasim & Inzamam while doing the Captaincy. Fist Pakistan board should stop the blaming the players. Then they will be play as a team. But after the band on pakistan players how can they play once they went to the ground. Pakistan Board should give a support to them and take out from the tension that they are having. (SHAID AFRID will be the best captain for the Pakistan Team for all the format.)

Posted by   on (May 23, 2010, 10:03 GMT)

Shahid Afridi is a must! His bowling, fielding and captaincy makes up for his batting inconsistency.

Posted by BharathRajeswaran on (May 23, 2010, 9:42 GMT)

Salman Butt is the only person who deserves a place in the test team. He is the only batsman who can atleast score 40 -odd. He has been around for some time and his current form is good. Though Pakistanis dont seem to like his defensive batting style, He is the only guy who has managed runs outside Asia. He's scored in tough tracks. He looks the only guy remaining. Because, Afridi is not good enough to be in the test team. If you pick players and pick the captain, Afridi is not there. Bring back Asim Kamal to the middle order.

Posted by KennerD on (May 23, 2010, 9:34 GMT)

This aticle is in complete contradiction to the one on the ICC website where Afridi says his test career is over. http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/newsdetails.php?newsId=10301_1274512920 And both were written on the same day!

Posted by crazzzzyyyyfan on (May 23, 2010, 8:31 GMT)

graet descision by afridi. he has the potential of becoming one of the greatest allrounders. his bowling is great and if he improves his batting he can be a real asset for pakistan. with his inclusion pakistan can boast of an excellent middle order-UMAR AKMAL, SHAHID AFRIDI, KAMRAN AKMAL, MISBAH-UL-HAQ, ABDUL RAZZAK

Posted by Samain on (May 23, 2010, 7:51 GMT)

hey you Rock Sharks afridi is a fantastic player and he has proved himself worthy of playing test cricket by scoring over 150 vs india

Posted by Pak_Green on (May 23, 2010, 7:47 GMT)

Yes, rock-Sharks you have just told joke of the day .. ha ha ha haaaa

Posted by Gupta.Ankur on (May 23, 2010, 7:13 GMT)

Is this a joke? I mean Afridi cannot perform in T20's............what will he do in Tests?

Does having good style and aggressive body-language a key to a Test-cap? I don't think so.

Pakistan,it seems, haven't learnt their lessons on afridi even after 12yrs.

Posted by   on (May 23, 2010, 7:12 GMT)

@Vinit_Sharma_Singh- Well I won't get too critical of your viewpoint but Afridi being a being a better batsmen that SRT, he would have to emulate the GOD which I guess is difficult for any batsmen in this generation and generations to come.

Posted by   on (May 23, 2010, 6:39 GMT)

Afridi may be suitable for T20 but not to test and ODI. He dont have temperament to stay in grease and to lead the team as well.I think Salman butt is the right option to lead.

Posted by 1951 on (May 23, 2010, 6:38 GMT)

Mr. Shahid Ali Khan Afridi, is like a spent cartridge. Pakistan can not benefit from such players (mentally retarded) in any form of cricket. The only solution is to pick and prepare team from up and coming U19 world cup runners up team. Yes, we will not immediately win matches with youngsters. But, atleast it will be an investment in future. Otherwise also, the spent force of seniors will not bring victories either. Yes, they will definately gain personally, with match fixing through ball biting. So why not to throw them into the dustbin of history, to bite the dust forever.

Posted by Omarrz on (May 23, 2010, 6:33 GMT)

his test average is much better than his overall record..so I think he is a good test player...

Posted by lightsun on (May 23, 2010, 6:25 GMT)

Vinit Sharma Singh ..... "I believe if given a long run in the test side Afridi would be a better batsman than Tendulkar and a better bowler than Shane Warne." ?????Are you serious ....no one prevented afridi from having a long run in tests ....he himself took the decision because he didnt want to wrk hard in test cricket...comparing him to sachin and warne ? cmon....he is not even as good as any of the great paki cricketers like wasim , imran , inzi .....

Posted by 6x_CS_King on (May 23, 2010, 5:49 GMT)

ROFL seeing "Vinit_Sharma_Singh" comments .........OMG

Posted by Kovai-Super-Kings on (May 23, 2010, 5:26 GMT)

good joke! country needs slog player in TEST? he he he he, he cant be test player, he is not a player. he just slog the bat n he is not proper and great player. joke of the day!

Posted by   on (May 23, 2010, 5:16 GMT)

If I think of this tour only (England, Australia), I will select Afridi as skipper and Razzaq as his deouty for an urgent boost to a depleted Pakistan outfit. If I think of future, I will pick up a youngster like Umer Akmal,Amir or anyone who lead U-19 successfuly and of those who are assured of their place in Pak side due to talent. I think this is the best time to get rid of Misbah, Imran Farhat etc. and look at U-19 player who can take an opener role. Why are we forgetting Ahmed Shazad, Azim Ghumman, Shazaib Ahmed? They deserve the chance to prove their talent. Khurram Manzoor should be regular opener in the test and ODI side.

This is also a time when we can select separate Test, ODI and T-20 teams as I feel a lot of bunch in T-20 are uselss but suitable for ODI such as Misbah.

Posted by Vinit_Sharma_Singh on (May 23, 2010, 3:43 GMT)

With batting average of 37.40 and bowling average of 34 I believe these figures are better than Flintoff and other great all rounders like Agarkar and also better batting average than Yuvraj Singh. I believe if given a long run in the test side Afridi would be a better batsman than Tendulkar and a better bowler than Shane Warne.

Posted by   on (May 23, 2010, 3:23 GMT)

right now pakistan need shahid afridi , he is a very good cricketer, May Allah help him in his cricker career InshaAllah. I do hope he will be in test team,good luck Afridi,

Posted by   on (May 23, 2010, 1:54 GMT)

I beleive that Aridi will be key bowler in Test too... He does not have experence of Captaincy but he know how to combine the team he is a very good friend of everybody ... i think he deserve to be a Captain do we have a better choice then him i guess no .... so give him a little confident and let him try for an year if he can do well then well and good if he can not then we will see another option

Posted by   on (May 23, 2010, 1:52 GMT)

Afridi could be barbaric and too dangerous in any format of the game as long as he is there on the field with a bat in his hands..:). His spin bowling is a bonus. He should learn to focus and concentrate more and as well behave in a more matured manner on/off the field and I don't see any reason why he should not be a captain for any team.

Posted by naeem-butt on (May 23, 2010, 0:01 GMT)

I hope PCB and selection comittee get it right this time becaz we cannot afforad any mess.I think Afridi is the best choice for pakistan.I can see that Afridi can do the same what Steve Waugh did for Aus.If i get a chance to pick 16 man squad fro" Aus and Eng".1.Butt,2.Farhat,3.Khurram,4.Misbah,5.Umar,6.Afridi,7.Kamran,8.Amir.9.Gull.10.Asif,11.Danish,12.Naveed yasin,13.Talha,14.Umair Amin.15.Yasir Arafat.16.AAmer Sajad. and ODI 1.Butt,2.Khurram,3.Umar,4.Misbah,5.Naveed Yasin,6.Afridi,7.Razzaq,8.Kamran,9.Amir,10.Asif,11.Ajmal,12.Gull,13.Sohail Tanvir,14.Fawad,15.Umair Amin,16.Talaha.If pakistani team play as unit they have a good chance against both of them i cannot perdict a series win but it will be a good contest and we will get a good tour to watch and youngster can learn alot from this tour.I wish Younis was available for the tour becaz youngster like Umar,Umair,Naveed,Khurram,can learn alot from younis and Misbah.They can help them alot.We cannot afforad to kick out everyone.

Posted by daneyal007 on (May 22, 2010, 23:49 GMT)

Whatever his reasons may be, the thing is there are no players left to be made captain. Although captaincy has taken a toll on his performance this might actually turn to out to be a turning point for Pakistans test cricket.

Posted by   on (May 22, 2010, 23:23 GMT)

Shahid Afridi is the worst possible role model for any cricket nation, he has been involve in so many wrong acts on the cricket field while representing Pakistan, damaging the pitch, biting the ball, inviting girls to his team hotel. He is also member of that group which involves match fixing. If PCB appoint him or select him for Test or ODI's that would be worst ever decision, and will show that PCB has no control over anything concerning cricket in Pakistan. Stop this nonsense please!!!

Posted by   on (May 22, 2010, 23:03 GMT)

AFRDI MISBAH SHOHIB MALIK YOUNS ARE DONE

Posted by   on (May 22, 2010, 23:02 GMT)

well they should give a chance to youngster rather then givng chance to those old players what have they done in past what will they fo in future they should give some chance to those under 19 players kick out misbah afridi kamran malik younus and razzaq

Posted by osee_bhai on (May 22, 2010, 22:35 GMT)

He doesn't deserve to be captain of the test team. But the fact is, no one else is really there. In my opinion, Salman Butt is the man for tests, as crazy as that may sound to many pakistanis.

Posted by Bilal_Choudry on (May 22, 2010, 22:19 GMT)

i think many people on this forum would be surprised to see how much he averages with bat and ball in the test format ... but i am not sure if will be playing with 2 leg spinners in the team in england

Posted by dr_salman on (May 22, 2010, 22:19 GMT)

howevr...i ve believed that afridi can b a great weapon in test cricket..sehwag is one guy who has brought a change in test tactics...he can score quick runs on the first day...a fast century or even more literally takes the game away frm the other team, if ur team gets a 350-400 on the first day...afridi may jst b able to do that..the way he n younis put up a quick 160+ runs in one session against india n then won after having them in all sorts of trouble..(in the last pak tour to india i guess. or the one b4 that...dun remember the dates)

i m not comparing him with sehwaq..he s definitely far superior..not just a slogger but a proper dependable established test batsman unlike afridi beyond doubt..but in terms of aggression n the urge to dominate, yes they are comparable..n if afridi learns test tactics..he may b a real weapon..both with bat n ball !!

Posted by   on (May 22, 2010, 22:07 GMT)

It looks like he is coming back because the chair of captain is empty. And there is pretty high chance that he will be captain of ODI and T20, and PCB might want just one captain for all formats just to make team stable and to avoid rifts between former and current captain.

Posted by dr_salman on (May 22, 2010, 21:58 GMT)

inspite of being his fan..well i do agree that its the RACE FOR CAPTAINCY that has forced him to UNRETIRE frm test cric..our test history in the last 3 or 4 yrs has not bin that illustrious, and the team needed him then but he kept backing out of it...

but here is the confusing part...his decision to unretire may b out out selfishness n to gain captaincy in this format too..but do we have a better option? making any other guy the captain will again create differences regarding the leadership war...both the captains (test vs ODI/T20) tryin to win the captaincy for the other format as well ! (we know how things are in pak cric esp since the way they ve bin lately)

so far afridi s captaincy has not bin convincing at all as we all had expected..salman butt, well some ppl ve commented that he doesnt deserve a place in the side..but statistics dun say that..he was the only 100 scorer on the aus tour, arguably the best batsman on that tour..n the 2nd/3rd highest scorer in the T20 WC !

Posted by Bilal_S on (May 22, 2010, 21:36 GMT)

Not only did Afridi manage to bring this young team together towards the end of the T20 world cup, he has also emerged relatively unscathed from the Australia tour fallout, permitting a few nibbles here and there.

Afridi is not a test player, yet there were flickers in the series against India where our bowling arsenal had been weakened by injury where he showed how effective he could be with the ball. But the questions are unending. Will be be able to adjust to the format? How will he fit into the line-up? Bat him in the top six at your own peril, and include him as a bowling all-rounder then he is virtually playing as our one specialist spinner. To add to this, when Afridi returns to test cricket, he will, most probably do so as 'Captain Afridi'. World beware

Posted by longhit60 on (May 22, 2010, 21:28 GMT)

good dicision from afridi pakistan have now just one cricket star he is afridi.boooooooooooooooooooooom booooooooooooooooooooooom afridi jalane walo tumara mune kala

Posted by nikhildevdesai on (May 22, 2010, 20:43 GMT)

Afridi is not a player in any format, look at his average, he might have one good game out of ten. He is a burden, when there are other players ready to take his place. He doesn't bring anything new to the team.

Posted by   on (May 22, 2010, 20:41 GMT)

You rock afridi .. you have awesome record in tests .. keep on making centuries like you did against India .. we love you .. just don't be tooo defensive in field settings... please .. we dont want anotehr youhana

Posted by Adysol on (May 22, 2010, 20:14 GMT)

Well. Some people will say that this decision came out because AFRIDI wanted to be a captain of team in tests as well and not solely for the reason that country needs him. I would say that even if there is some reason behind being a captain also. But this is good for the country as we do not have any other choice. We realy need Afridi in tests. If Salman Butt become captain for tests than again there would be a RACE of CAPTAINCY!!!!.. So better to stick with ONE Captain (AFRIDI) in al three formats... GOOD DECISION.....

Posted by NabeelUsmani on (May 22, 2010, 19:58 GMT)

I completely agree with those people who r saying that the reason behind Afridi coming back to Test Cricket is CAPTAINCY......But at the same time plzzz tell me,who else is there in the team who we can turn to for Test Captaincy? Salman Butt even dont deserve a place in the test side, Kamran Akmal drops dozens of catches behind the stumps already, wounder what will happen if he is made the Captain. Abdur Razzaq these days doesnt even know where he is goingggg on the field, it looks like that he just wakes up and jump straight into the ground....So i guess we r only left with Mr.Afridi.....I wish him best of luck with his comeback.....

Posted by adilsunny90 on (May 22, 2010, 19:42 GMT)

The ppl who r sayin tht afridi is juz doing this all 4 captaincy its nt ready he was out of test cricket bcoz at tht tym dere were players in pakistan team bt if u c the team nw dere is no player as PCB has ban all the top players malik yousaf younis n when they all appeal against these ban the PCB is delayin this evry week coz they av no prove abt them n they r scared nw.. n afridi said be4 tht he will play test cricket only when he feel tht his country need him.. n ryt nw pakistan need him the most n dere is no1 better captain then afridi ryt nw in the team coz only he unite the team n make them work with each other salam dnt av tht class 2 be a captain n the ppl who think afridi is juz duin 4 captaincy then he would done this a year ago after win t20 cup coz he was the best player at tht tym in team. he is duin evryfin 4 team n ryt nw the ppl in PCB is playin with evry1 n if we would nt av captain lyk afridi then r cricket wil be finsh only afridi cn deal with the team at the moment

Posted by   on (May 22, 2010, 19:35 GMT)

What a joke!! Not everyone is stupid Mr. Afridi!!

Posted by ranmal99 on (May 22, 2010, 19:24 GMT)

Afridi shud learn to play cricket before getting dreams of being a captain. He is trying to be smart, but we all know his smartness in biting a ball and tampering the wkt. Also his dreadful captaincy was for all to see!!

Posted by gilbert84 on (May 22, 2010, 19:14 GMT)

Pakistan cricket needed Afridi in the Test team when he was in form with both bat and ball. At that time he stepped away from Tests. Why didn't he care about his country then? Now that he is well past his prime, he wants to play Tests because he thinks his country needs him? This is laughbale. It is selfishness and nothing more. Afridi was Test material even two years ago... he isn't anymore.

Posted by   on (May 22, 2010, 19:11 GMT)

He is still better than Malik.

Posted by 5860733 on (May 22, 2010, 18:38 GMT)

great dicision frm Afridii .. i think if he could lead the team through the asia cup.. itz gonna be a great opportunity for our to reunite....... we can sense that he is having a godd hitting abilities so why not if he plays a mature test innings .. if would really help him to play in ODIs as well as we r goin to have an excellent bowler ho can win matches on his capabilities,,... !!! Cum ON SHAHID AFRIDI n gave all reply to all people who r critising u .. !! give them a whackk .. !!! BOom BoOm . !! Pakistan Zindabad

Posted by Rajesh. on (May 22, 2010, 18:36 GMT)

I wonder whether any of these Pakistan cricketers have any self-esteem........... Really shameful.

Moral of the story :-- In Pakistan, Retirement = Temporary Rest !!

Posted by   on (May 22, 2010, 18:34 GMT)

FIrstly for all those who are against this decision , i dnt knw wats wrng with u people , are u jealous of HIM or what . @Salmana .. i think u shud know that wen he announce retirement frm tests , that time pak had good teat team with sum great players like inzi, yusuf ,yunis so he wasnt needed much , nw u tell me if he s nt thea in test side , who will captain the team ? salman butt ? he hardly can field after getting 40 odd runs and hes nt mature in any ways to be a captain.and before saying all this have a look at his test career , its far better than shorter formats so y should he nt play tests back if he wants to and if he's racing for captaincy thats good too coz he deserves it as he hes the best availaible after yunus , so think before u ink !As i sense he will be captaining pak permenantly in near future for all three formats and thats the best thing that can happen to pak cricket.hes nt scared of player power n doesnt promote politica in team so let him go BOOM BOOM !!!

Posted by ali.majaz on (May 22, 2010, 18:30 GMT)

Exactly SALMANA you got it right , it just clearly shows , how much he is eager for this captaincy ,nd he is running after it since 2007 ! , he was eager to show YOUSUF incapable , in the 5th ODI against AUSTRALIA , where he did that ball biting shit , which just clearly shows how much he was desprate 2 win , so that he can show every1 , that in his captaincy team can win , unlike YOUSUF ! , AND WHERE THE HELL WAS HIS LOVE FOR COUNTRY ND team when we were sufering in test before , NOw when he smelled the smell of CAPTAINCY in ODIs he decided to comeback in TEST so that he can captain all the three formats , SUCH A SHAME FOR PAKISTAN CRICKET , that these guys are just running after captaincy nd nothing else !

Posted by   on (May 22, 2010, 18:20 GMT)

afridi as a test player????????what a joke........

Posted by awaaiss on (May 22, 2010, 18:16 GMT)

As usual Playings cards.. Why pakistani players dont pay attention on cricket. Like Afridi many others players first announce retirement and then come again. ICC should make retirement rules, if any player announces retirement, he cant become able to play for national side. Afridi and other players just are in team to make money.

Posted by haris_ateeq on (May 22, 2010, 18:10 GMT)

nice to hear this .... i will wait for the asia cup ( if he is appointed captain ) for seeing hin for test matches but i feel that he can play in any pak test side for just being a good all rounder not if captain !! he is the sort of leader we need to guide pak !! GOD help him !

Posted by Alikhan.dxb on (May 22, 2010, 18:09 GMT)

i think this will be good for pakistan cricket for long term, i think Afridi is a honist person, Afridi good luck

Posted by salmana on (May 22, 2010, 17:52 GMT)

It would not be a wise deicision to include afridi in the test squad. Trust me its never been for the country. Mr Afridi had been requested on numerous times to join the test team but he rfused every time. Where was the love for the country at that time. As a matter of fact its the race for the Captaincy. Mr Afridi being real opportunist, has sensed a chance here and there comes the love for the country. Secondly he is going through a bad patch of his career and he wont do any good to team. Though i always thought that he would be an excelnet T20 captain, he had only shown agression on yelling at fielders. Where as, his cpataincy during the world cup was below standards. He didn't show any innovation and on the field and proved him slef a single tracked captain. He lacks the ability to make decisons according to the situation. Under the circumstances his inclusion in the team would bring a very negative impact, specifically when the race is on for CAPTAINCY.

Posted by slogger-sachin on (May 22, 2010, 17:50 GMT)

really shahid afridi...really...are u coming out of retirement for your country's sake...one hell of a joke...you are coming out because you feel threatened that who ever becomes the skipper of test team might topple you in the shorter version as well if he succeeds in the longer version...shameful and sad state of pakistan cricket...

Posted by Crictragic1 on (May 22, 2010, 17:38 GMT)

I am a Sri Lankan, and a long term Afridi fan. However, the 'ball-biting' incident left an indelible mark, and a question in my mind about his suitability. No doubt, Afridi is a highly talented cricketer, but one who is really mercurial; hence, needs a good mentor (Is Wasim Akram or Ramiz Raja available?) to support him to be a good test captain for Pakistan. And, will he listen to seniors? Never-say-die attitude is not enough these days in international cricket. The team needs role models. Otherwise the talents of younger cricketers will be wasted. Intikhab Alam and Aquib Javed do not appear to have supported the team very well in Australia, or controlled the Team's lack of discipline. Maybe look to persuade someone that is trained in motivation, yet has attributes to command and be heard. In the first place, Pakistan may have to re-jig the PCB to make it more professional. Sri Lanka is in a somewhat similar situation; a badly constituted Board is a factor in the decline of standards.

Posted by Happpy on (May 22, 2010, 17:29 GMT)

Yup, it's a fascinating decision from Afridi. He is a quick man and can help Pakistan to play well in tests. Another thing is that only one captain (Afridi) can become in all three formats of the game, so captains problem can solve too. One bowler can be added as well.

Posted by   on (May 22, 2010, 17:03 GMT)

great news inshallah i hope it will help pak

Posted by SajidN73 on (May 22, 2010, 16:52 GMT)

This is really a great news. That was past when peoples think that afridi is only a one day or t20 player, but time changed and afridi also. He is more sensible and mature then before. The most important think is that now afiridi knows his value in the national team, he knows what is his responsibilities being a senior player (i think afridi and razzak are the most senior players available now days). In my opinion he would be the captain of test side too because there is no other player which such leadership qualities. Some peoples said (specially Sarfaraz Nawaz) that salman butt is the best choice as a captain, but as butt concern, i don't think he can handle the pressure of captaincy even he won't able to handle the pressure of opening.... Go on afridi ..

Posted by nasir_2k45 on (May 22, 2010, 16:51 GMT)

very good now lets see how he can handle his bat in this longer version of game, i hope if he play with cool head he could be destructive for any opponents. but sure his bowling will be sharp.

Posted by AAJS on (May 22, 2010, 16:40 GMT)

Well that is just great! How fortunate are we to have a player of his caliber 'un-rtiring' himself to play in tests.. this guy has been struggling to hit the ball of the square and couldn't buy a run at Harrords if he tried in ODIs and T20 and now all of sudden he wants to play test cricket.. where against the real bowlers (fast and good spin) found him out apart from the lashing he dished out to the Indian bowlers and lets face it that is not their strongest skillset. The only reason he wants back is because he knows this pathetic chambles of a team is running out of 'captains' and if there is one thing every third rate cricketer wants to do in cricket is to be the 'KAPTAAN SAAB'.. and this average cricketer is no different... I am already bracing myself for the beating we are going totake from England & Australia.. and the humiliation that follwos with it.. pathetic team with average players and a 'cheating' cricket captain..!! [TO CRICINFO PLZ BE BRAVE AND PRINT THIS]

Posted by absarnaqvi on (May 22, 2010, 16:29 GMT)

I think, its a good decision taken by Afridi because in his captaincy team is united.

Posted by   on (May 22, 2010, 16:27 GMT)

Excellent Decison. We don't want Salman Butt to be Captain of Test Team. Boom Boom Afridi.

Posted by   on (May 22, 2010, 16:21 GMT)

I think Afridi is the best choice for Captan for any format of the game i know V lose WC but v played as a team and abt to pullup a win against AUS...