Afridi turns down Tasmania offer, to focus on national duty

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KARACHI, Aug 20 (PTI): Flamboyant Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has turned down an offer from Australian state side Tasmania as he wants to concentrate on the coming series against New Zealand, followed by tour of the Down Under.
"The former Sri Lankan player Russell Arnold spoke to me about the possibility of playing for Tasmania but I declined as Pakistan is already due to tour Australia in December," Afridi said.
Pakistan is to play three Tests against New Zealand and then go to Australia for a three-match Test series and a ODI series in late December.
Pakistan has never won a Test series on Australian soil and Afridi said playing against the world champions in their own backyard was always a big challenge.