Afridi gets support from PCB’s Special Committee

Body asks chairman to resolve matter amicably.

KARACHI:

As reports of sidelining limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi emerge, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Special Committee will now take action to solve the matter. Afridi, who was sent a letter by the PCB to explain remarks made on team selection, also got support by the committee.

The all-rounder, on his return, said that there was interference in team selection during the West Indies tour before being asked to explain his comments by the PCB.

However, Afridi responded to the notice saying he just made general comments which were not against any specific individual.

It has been learnt that the Special Committee has been formed to work for the betterment of cricket in the country and has asked the PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt to solve the matter calmly. The body comprises governing board members Mir Haider Talpur, Major Naeem, Amir Nawab and Chaudary Anwar.

The Special Committee, which also played a key role in resolving the issue of chief selector Mohsin Khan with the board, felt Afridi has not said anything serious which could lead to strict action against him.

“We have reviewed Afridi’s comments,” a committee member told The Express Tribune. “The statements made are not that serious and strict action cannot be taken against him.

“He didn’t take any names and just gave general remarks, which he does often.”

The member added the committee has asked the chairman to resolve the matter without taking any strict action against Afridi.

“We are trying to convince the PCB chairman to solve the matter amicably,” he said.

“We want to get rid of unnecessary controversies.” The official added that removing Afridi from captaincy will not solve anything and will instead disturb the team.

“Afridi is doing a fine job as captain and sidelining him or removing him may affect team combination.”

‘Coach to give his version’

However, the member said the committee will take coach Waqar Younis’ version as well on reports of differences with the limited-overs captain.

“We will try to figure out the core issue for which we will also take the coach’s version which is necessary.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2011.