During a domestic match spectators turned up in huge number to see Afridi which is a testimony of his immense popularity and support. The public has given its verdict, now the ball is in Afridis' court and he should respond positively, he urged Afridi to return to game, a private TV channel reported on Friday.

Apart from the fan following, he (Afridi) has the talent to not only justify his place but to provide the team with the right balance as well", he said. Captain Shahid Afridi led the Karachi Dolphins to victory against Islamabad Leopards on Thursday night showing brilliant firepower in batting and bowling.

On May 30th this year, Afridi announced his conditional retirement from international cricket, claiming that he was mistreated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

After harsh criticism on board officials, the PCB suspended Afridi's central contract, fined him 4.5 million rupees, and revoked his no-objection certificate (NOC) which allowed Afridi to play for Hampshire.

Afridi filed a petition with the Sindh High Court to overturn the sanctions, and later, after an out-of-court settlement, he withdrew his petition and the PCB reinstated his NOC.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011