Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has opted out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to an "unbearable" lower-back injury. Afridi has decided to discontinue this PSL season after playing three matches.
Lala, as he is fondly known said that he might play in some other T20 Leagues, but as far as PSL is concerned, this was the last time we saw him on the field.
The 42-year-old all-rounder has been carrying this lower back injury for 15 years, but at this moment, it has become "unbearable" for Afridi to continue playing with the injury. Afridi gave this information in a YouTube video:
"I cannot bear it anymore," Afridi said.
"I want to apologise to fans for not being to play the entire PSL and sign off on a good note".
Afridi thanked the owner of Quetta Gladiators, Nadeem Omar for "always supporting him". He said that the welfare foundation is his "second innings and the most important one" to him.
He urged fans to pray for his health. "With the grace of God, I will appear in another league," said the former captain.
Shahid Afridi bowled four overs for 2/26 in his last PSL match. His last T20I came in 2018 when he played for the World XI against West Indies.
It is quite unbelievable that Boom Boom Afridi, who started playing in 1996 can still play in competitive cricket in 2022. Fans are now left wondering if that was the last of Shahid Afridi.