Yousuf should not retire: Afridi

Karachi, Mar 29(ANI): Pakistani Twenty20 skipper Shahid Afridi has called on Mohammad Yousuf to reconsider his decision to retire from international cricket.

Yousuf, who has been banned indefinitely by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is expected to make a formal announcement today.

"I think Yousuf is taking an emotional decision, and I think, he must reconsider his decision because he still has a lot to give to Pakistan cricket," The News quoted Afridi, as saying.

"Yousuf I think has been affected by the recent happenings and is upset with the ban on him, but he is a senior player and he must handle the situation. He must not take an emotional decision," he added.

Afridi further said that Pakistan would need his experience for some tough tournaments this year.

"We have a lot of Test matches coming up in next 10 to 12 months and we need his experience against the top teams like Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand," Afridi added.

The 35-year-old was effectively banned from playing international cricket for an indefinite period by the PCB on March 10, following an inquiry into the crushing whitewash on the tour of Australia.

An official statement released by the PCB, said that Yousuf would not be selected again on the grounds of inciting infighting within the team.

Earlier on March 27, Yousuf announced that he has decided to retire from all forms of international cricket, which is seen as a direct reaction of the ban. (ANI)