Karachi, Oct 20 : Former Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has welcomed former captain Shahid Afridi’s decision to withdrawn his decision of retiring from international cricket, but said that the all-rounder should not have revealed his ‘bitter dispute’ with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to the media.

Afridi had announced his retirement from international cricket in May after the PCB had removed him as one-day international (ODI) captain following a dispute with the then coach Waqar.

Waqar reiterated that he had no personal issues with the former skipper, but felt that the entire Afridi episode had left a negative impact on the minds of the young players in the country, the Daily Times reports.

"It was his [Afridi’s] decision to retire and take it back. It is good he is available for selection but it is also a fact that the entire episode has left a bad impression, particularly on the young players," Waqar was quoted as saying.

Afridi had announced on Tuesday that he was available to play for Pakistan again under a new board chairman and changed team.

"The team needs Afridi and his decision is appreciable; however, the bitter dispute between Afridi and board officials should not have been erupted in the first place. Both the parties should have talked it out behind closed doors," Waqar said.

"Revealing the matter to the media was inappropriate. Players as well as board officials should refrain from this practice in the future," he added.

Former captain Wasim Akram also welcomed Afridi''s decision, but advised him to focus on cricket, and not on other things.

"He still can serve Pakistan cricket for another two to three years and his availability is good. It was his own personal decision to retire and now retract it, but his availability is good for Pakistan team," Akram said.
(ANI)