Injured Afridi out of PSL final against Gladiators

Pakistan Super League (PSL) finalists Peshawar Zalmi will miss the services of flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who on Saturday ruled himself out with a finger injury for Sunday's final against Quetta Gladiators at the Gaddafi Stadium here.

Afridi had on Friday left the field in the 11th over after splitting the webbing on his right hand while attempting an improbable catch from West Indian big-hitter Keiron Pollard, during the third playoff against Karachi Kings at the Dubai International Stadium. Peshawar, however, won the match by 24 runs to reach the final.

The cut required stitches and the 37-year-old has been advised 10 days of rest.

"After (the 2016) World T20, it was a big challenge for me to perform for my fans. They couldn't see me performing (to the level) which they were expecting. So I hope you have enjoyed whatever I gave in PSL, because whatever the cricket left in me is for you only," Afridi said in a video message.

"My wish was to play the PSL final in Lahore but sorry, I wont be able to play because doctor gave me a 10-day rest order. It was my big wish that I could play in front of my own people in Lahore but sorry, not possible because of his this," he added.

The swashbuckling right-hander had also announced his retirement from international cricket during the tournament.

In 10 matches of this edition of the PSL, Afridi had scored 177 runs and taken two wickets with an economy rate of 6.75.

--IANS

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