There have been spans where Shahid Afridi has been the heart throb of the Pakistani nation. The brave-heart. The Messiah. None of that is enough face saving for him when compared to the general culture his star-studded career will leave when it's over. Whenever it's over. Yes, whenever. Maybe. One day. Afridi has always loved the spot light and his six hitting antics have bestowed upon him a fanbase that would defend Afridi even if he plays an irresponsible shot at a critical stage, bites a ball, retires and comes back, becomes captain and leaves midway or dance on the Karachi pitch with studs. Everything aside every Pakistani cricket fan has respect for his overall services but whenever he speaks, he leaves a bad taste. Whenever Shahid Afridi talks to the media you get the general sense that he thinks the team and the country revolves around him and his ego. "No one is bigger than the team" is something coaches, fans and players keep on quoting in team sports. It's true but it doesn't really work in Afridi's case. He literally can hold the whole nation or fanbase on ransom and get away with it.
Again, an interview. And once again Afridi comes up with words that reflect sheer ignorance, and the ego he feeds. For him retirement has become a joke. And it probably is as we allow him back and start hoping again that he would work his passionate magic and win us everything. Turns out, Afridi has got one of the worst T20 records for any captain. But well it's never him. Never his fault. Always the moles in the squad that come in the way of our Patriotic Messiah. Rewind to Asia Cup T20 when Pakistan were literally dismantled. Afridi was made the captain for both the Asia Cup and World T20. This was supposed to be his last campaign with the Pakistani side. And by the Pcb chairman's own admission, he was made captain just because he will retire afterwards. Talk about fringe benefits. Pakistan were bashed in the Asia Cup and turned out to be toothless. Last presentation ceremony and Ramiz Raja asks him the question that he was probably looking for, "Shahid, are you standing firm/tall?".. and in came the answer," yes, I won't fall this easily". Well mate, Look around. Your team is a shambles. Who in the world cares about you? Have some decency. Respect the word "we".
When was the last time Shahid Afridi respectfully took criticism on the chin? Like Misbah. Like Dhoni or any other professional. He starts bashing everyone who criticizes him and has hardly ever accepted him being culpable for the brain-dead moments. You just wouldn't know this guy is a professional cricketer. Won't play domestic cricket, won't join camps, would walk in and out the team on his will, won't perform but still have a central contract. At the end of the day we have allowed this to happen. We fans have created Shahid Afridi the brand he is. And now he easily walks into the side because he sells. He's the cricketing equivalent of Wayne Rooney. Sorry but that's harsh on Rooney. Maybe the John Cena of cricket.
How can this man question the amount talent in the country? Because of this guy in 10-15 years we did not develop any proper all rounder. Any leg spinner or any pinch hitter. No.
Any normal cricketer would have been forgotten by now had he done what Afridi has done. How can we forget the 2011 Ejaz Butt saga. This guy lead a campaign to get him back into the team. A campaign of almost political volumes. Talks shows, Public gatherings. Receptions on Airports. Yes a player being removed from a squad was doing all this.
Tour to England 2010. First off, Why in the world are you making Shahid Afridi the captain of the test side? But well, he's Lala. He will work his magic won't he?
Turns out he runs away and retires after one test match of a tour consisting 6 in total. What kind of joke is that? Why did you become the captain at first place? But again he never told the nation why he made that hasty decision(and 14506 other hasty decisions). Was he sensing moles within the squad? Did he know about Salman Butt and what he was stiring? But he didn't speak. Because he's the hero. Let's run away and leave on a cliffhanger and let the people assume. And with the fanbase people would obviously think of you as the one who was being pushed off the cliff.
Shahid Afridi being brave is a myth. He's an egocentric who thinks this Nation and the team runs around him. I am sorry but his mentality is sick.
P.s: This peice is a waste as it's the fans that have always let him get away with everything. He will get away again. He will play for Pakistan again. Because if you water dead flowers they don't come back to life, But in this case the dead flower waters itself and comes back. Hah, I make no sense. Same for Afridi's career.
