I'm still better than most, says Afridi after snub

Struggling all-rounder Shahid Afridi vowed yesterday to work hard to return to the Pakistan team after being axed from the 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy

“Being in and out is a one-off thing. It happens to every cricket player and I will soon stage a comeback because I believe in hard work and performance, so I don’t want to be bitter,” said Afridi. The big-hitting all-rounder was earlier dropped for the one-day series against India in December-January before returning for the five one-dayers against South Africa in March.

Shahid Afridi

He failed to get a single wicket in the 3-2 defeat to the Proteas but was the second top run-scorer with 126 behind Misbah-ul Haq on 227. “I am still better than most,” said Afridi.

Asked about reports in Pakistani media blaming captain Misbah for his ousting, Afridi said: “It’s captain’s will if he wants a player or not but I wish him and the team the best of luck for the Champions Trophy.”

Afridi said he wanted to play cricket with pride and respect.u00a0

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