Shahid Afridi has thrust open the door to a Rose Bowl move.The explosive Pakistan all-rounder was pencilled in to join Hampshire Royals and spearhead their Friends Provident t20 campaign this summer.
However, the lure of captaining his nation against the Aussies proved too much as he made a shock return to Test cricket.
Giles White's Royals battled on without Afridi and – with the help of his countryman Abdul Razzaq – lifted the t20 crown in front of their home crowd last month.
Now, in the wake of his side's NatWest Series defeat to England, the Pakistan skipper believes he has unfinished business on the south coast.
And the man nicknamed Boom Boom – in recognition of his powerful approach to the game – admitted he would love to link up with Hampshire in the future.
'It was a beautiful atmosphere yesterday,' said Afridi.
'These are beautiful conditions and I would definitely love to come here and play some county cricket as well.'
Afridi played just one Test against Australia before once again deciding the longer form of the game was not for him. He continued to lead Pakistan in limited overs cricket.
And he was thrust back into skippering the one-day side this month as match-fixing allegations tainted what should have been a thrilling end to the summer.
It was a tough time to lead the under-fire side, and although impressed by their unity, he is relieved to be heading home.
'I was hoping for some kind of happy ending but it wasn't to be,' said the talismanic all-rounder.
'There has been some serious controversy on this tour but I am very happy with the way my team has remained united.
'I'm disappointed with the result yesterday but the unity is a positive to take away.
'It has been a tough tour but it will be nice to go home and spend some time with our families
However, the lure of captaining his nation against the Aussies proved too much as he made a shock return to Test cricket.
Giles White's Royals battled on without Afridi and – with the help of his countryman Abdul Razzaq – lifted the t20 crown in front of their home crowd last month.
Now, in the wake of his side's NatWest Series defeat to England, the Pakistan skipper believes he has unfinished business on the south coast.
And the man nicknamed Boom Boom – in recognition of his powerful approach to the game – admitted he would love to link up with Hampshire in the future.
'It was a beautiful atmosphere yesterday,' said Afridi.
'These are beautiful conditions and I would definitely love to come here and play some county cricket as well.'
Afridi played just one Test against Australia before once again deciding the longer form of the game was not for him. He continued to lead Pakistan in limited overs cricket.
And he was thrust back into skippering the one-day side this month as match-fixing allegations tainted what should have been a thrilling end to the summer.
It was a tough time to lead the under-fire side, and although impressed by their unity, he is relieved to be heading home.
'I was hoping for some kind of happy ending but it wasn't to be,' said the talismanic all-rounder.
'There has been some serious controversy on this tour but I am very happy with the way my team has remained united.
'I'm disappointed with the result yesterday but the unity is a positive to take away.
'It has been a tough tour but it will be nice to go home and spend some time with our families
