It seems like Afridi just cannot make up his mind when it comes to retirement, as this is not the first time that he has announced this decision, let’s take a look back at the other occasions when he has announced his retirement.

The first time is always the hardest

In April of 2006, Afridi announced a temporary sabbatical from Test Cricket to concentrate on ODI’s as he wanted to prepare for the upcoming 2007 World Cup.

The decision was surprising, but, even more, surprising was his U-turn on this announcement just after two weeks, after being persuaded by PCB chairman Shahryar Khan.

Oops he did it again!

In 2011, Pakistan crashed out of the World Cup, after losing to arch-rivals India, he was subsequently sacked as the Pakistan Captain by the PCB.

Afridi was understandably humiliated and furious with the PCB and immediately announced his retirement from international cricket. He felt that the PCB had conspired against him.

But just five months later, Afridi backtracked on this decision and returned to ODI’s, the backtrack was attributed to a change in the helm of affairs in the PCB.

And again!

In 2012, Afridi’s flirtations with retirement resurfaced yet again. After failing to perform well in a series against Sri Lanka, either as a Batsman or Bowler, ‘Boom Boom Afridi ‘as he is called mulled retirement from ODI’s once more, to give chances to youngsters.

But fortunately for Pakistan, Afridi did not retire and continued to play for a few more years, and finally, quit ODI’s in 2015 after Pakistan crashed out of the World Cup Quarter-finals.

4th time’s the charm?

After the defeat to New Zealand in the ICC World T20 2016, Afridi said, “”That (the match against Australia) could be my last,” Afridi said at the post-match presentation ceremony.”

This time, it seems like a decision that’s not entirely in his hands as his career is likely to be over. Whether he will stick to his word or not is yet to be seen.