Speaking to PakPassion.net Afridi brushed aside rumours of him stepping down or indeed being removed as captain of the Pakistan one day side.

 by Saj Sadiq

14 May 2011

Pakistan's one day and twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi confirmed his determination to continue leading the Pakistan one day side, despite some recent differences of opinion on selection matters.

Speaking to PakPassion.net Afridi brushed aside rumours of him stepping down or indeed being removed as captain of the Pakistan one day side.

"I have always been fully committed in playing for my country and leading my country and I have no plans to step down from the role of captain. It is an honour to captain one's country and it's a boyhood dream that I do not want to give up."

Earlier, media reports had indicated that Afridi’s involvement in the 2 match series in Belfast against Ireland later this month was in doubt after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took serious notice of his apparent unease over selection matters.

The PCB then issued a press release stating that Afidi's comments were a violation of the Code of Conduct and an explanation had been sought from Afridi for the reasons to make such statements publically. 

However Afridi reiterated his commitment to lead Pakistan and confirmed that he has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board of his desire to play in Belfast.

"I've informed the Board that I will in the near future be going to the U.S.A. for personal reasons, subject to the necessary travel documents, but will be available for the matches against Ireland. There is absolutely no doubt that I wish to continue as captain and I hope this puts to bed any doubts over my commitment to lead Pakistan and my desire to continue as captain. I appreciate that I cannot go on forever as skipper, but at this moment in time I feel that the team is improving and that we can build on the success of the World Cup."

Pakistan take on Ireland on Saturday 28th May and Monday 30th May and following the matches in Ireland, Afridi will be representing Hampshire in the Friends Provident Twenty20 competition.