Flamboyant Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi [ Images ] has turned down an offer from Australian state side Tasmania as he wants to concentrate on the coming series against New Zealand [ Images ], 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 [ Images ] 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.

"I am keen on the tour to Australia and want to perform there for the team because when you perform in Australia your ranking as a player always goes up," he said.

Afridi said another reason behind his decision to turn down the offer was based on the feedback he got from captain Younis Khan [ Images ] and pace bowler Umar Gul, who played in Australian domestic cricket last year.

"I have learnt a lot from them about the Australian conditions and their domestic set-up. So I was not pushed to sign-up for any state side," he said.