Pakistan's flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi has pulled out of the two-Test series against South Africa as he wants to take rest after a hectic Twenty20 World Cup.
KARACHI: Pakistan's flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi has pulled out of the two-Test series against South Africa as he wants to take rest after a hectic Twenty20 World Cup.
"This is just a one-off decision and I am looking forward to playing in the one-dayers against South Africa," Afridi said.
Chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed said Afridi's request has been accepted and he would not be considered for the series, which starts from October 1 here. The second Test will be played from October 8 in Lahore.
The 27-year-old also apologised to the nation for not doing enough with the bat in the Twenty20 World Cup won by India.
Afridi, who was named the Player of the Tournament in the championship, said he was disappointed at not being successful with the bat despite a brilliant effort with the ball.
"I want to say sorry to my people because if I had made a few runs we could have won the final," he said.
The all-rounder said he would have loved seeing his team win rather than getting the individual award.
"Obviously it is an honour to win the player of the tournament award but far more important was the team doing well. In the end we did well to reach the final as it was the first time the Twenty20 World Cup was held. But losing the final was a disappointment," he rued.
Afridi said the two best teams of the tournament had played in the final but insisted that nothing separated the two sides in terms of talent.
"We just made a few costly mistakes that day and paid dearly for it. I so much wanted to get some runs," he said.
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