Playing for Pakistan in all forms of cricket my top priority: Afridi

Lahore, Jan. 6 (ANI): Despite his various commitments abroad, Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi has said that playing for Pakistan in all three versions of the game would always be his top priority.

"I would never turn down any opportunity to play for my country in any version of the game. To represent Pakistan is the most important thing for myself and to be given the chance of representing Pakistan on the international stage is an honour and not something I would ever turn down," Pakpassion.com quoted Afridi, as saying.

Afridi has been signed up by Australian and South African domestic Twenty/20 teams and is being linked to three English County teams for this years Friends Provident Twenty/20 competition.

Afridi, who currently is playing in the Twenty/20 Big Bash in Australia, said he is open to play for Pakistan in the Hobart test if team management selects him.

"If the selectors and management felt that they needed me for the upcoming third test in Hobart, then I am definitely available" Afridi said.

Reacting to Mohammad Yousuf's statement that Twenty/20 cricket could finish Pakistan cricket, Afridi said: "There are differing skills required for the various versions of the game, and I think players can adjust to the different types of cricket. There will always be the situation where some players are seen as specialists in one version of the game, and other players are seen as proficient in all types of cricket".

Afridi, who was part of the team, which won the Twenty/20 World Championship, felt that becoming the championship was very important for millions of Pakistani cricket fans.

"Before the Twenty/20 World cup started, the squad got together and we all agreed that we wanted to do something for the people of Pakistan and bring a smile to the people's faces. We all felt that it was the right time to do something for our country and its people. The masses in Pakistan had been facing a tough time and to see the delight on their faces after we were champions is something that will live with me forever," he said. (ANI)