New Delhi, Sep 23 : Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has lashed out at maverick all-rounder Shahid Afridi for announcing retirement and wanting to come back in a whimsical manner.
Afridi, who announced his retirement following differences with the team management, said he will not play under the current Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). However, after head coach Waqar Younis decided to quit after the recently-concluded Zimbabwe tour, Afridi expressed his desire to make a comeback.
Akram said the all-rounder should make up his mind once and for all.
"Afridi is making things too complicated for the PCB," Akram told mobile ESPN. "Cricket is a team game and not an individual sport. You have to treat the interests of the team and the management above your individual preferences."
This was not the first time Afridi has announced his retirement. After being appointed Test captain in 2010, the all-rounder quit after just one match, citing lack of form and inability to play five-day cricket.
He also led Pakistan to the semi-finals of the 2011 World Cup in India, but was soon replaced by Misbah-ul-Haq.
Akram said Afridi needed to put aside his personal interests and play as a professional.
"His retirement has become a joke now. You will have difference with your coaches, chairman and with your colleagues, but it should not show in your outlook. At the end of the day you are representing your nation - Pakistan."
Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in a three-Test series, starting October 18 in the UAE.
"The first challenge for Pakistan would be to find a new coach. It's important to find the right man for the job. Does he gel well with the players? What combination does he form? All these questions will decide the fate of Pakistan cricket," said Akram.
Akram feels Pakistan have a good chance in UAE. "Pakistan team has an abundance of talented players so they have no problem on that front.
"Sri Lanka, without Muttiah Muralitharan, are not the same side. Australia got the better of them on their home ground. It will be a tough series but Pakistan will do well against Lanka," said Akram.(IANS)
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