PCB, Afridi head for final showdown

Board revokes NOC, all-rounder’s county and SL league participation put in doubt.

LAHORE:

Shahid Afridi’s cricket future took a turn for the worst as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) launched a disciplinary action against the former captain and also revoked all NOCs handed out to him that places his county stint and involvement with the Sri Lanka Premier League in doubt.

While suspending his central contract, the PCB has also given him seven days to explain the comments made on-air against the board on a private TV channel.

Afridi, on Monday night, surprised the nation when he announced his retirement from international cricket due to the harsh treatment meted out to him by the board. He was replaced as One-Day International captain for the series against Ireland which he skipped due to his father’s illness.

Angry reaction by the PCB

The PCB responded angrily to the comments by launching the inquiry against Afridi who arrived in England for his short stint with Hampshire. According to the PCB, the announcement of retirement itself, if not made to the board first, is a breach of the code of conduct.

The Express Tribune understands that the PCB has a strong case against Afridi and has a detailed charge-sheet against his actions. Afridi, in the past, has violated various terms of his contract but each time the PCB has pardoned him after assurance that he will not be repeating those mistakes.

“The PCB welcomes his retirement decision,” PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt told reporters. “But he has breached the code of conduct and has to give a reply for that. It was disappointing to hear what he said but this is something he decided on his own.”

The implication of the PCB stance will prevent Afridi from participating in the Sri Lanka league starting from July while his stint with Hampshire is also in jeopardy with the PCB informing both sets of officials about the NOC.

Criticism galore for the all-rounder

Afridi’s sudden decision has received mixed response from former cricketers and administrators. Majority, though, agree that it was a hasty decision, taken in bad taste and that the all-rounder ‘should be punished’.

“I don’t understand why he needed to do this,” said former captain Zaheer Abbas.

“He is the same Afridi who was backed by the current setup on various occasions and today he is blaming the board.

“He has forgotten that it was the board that supported and backed him during the ball-tampering incident in Australia and even when he didn’t perform.

“Even after Pakistan lost the World Cup semi-final, the board not only rewarded him but gave him a lot of respect. If he had issues, he should’ve talked to the PCB instead of bursting out in media.

“The sort of language he has used while announcing his retirement is unacceptable at any level. There is no excuse for him to behave this way.”

Unacceptable how he went: Inzamam

Former captain Inzamamul Haq was unsurprised by Afridi’s decision, saying it was not a new thing but was left disappointed by the way it was announced.

“I always expect from Afridi to play good cricket but this is an unacceptable way to end everything. To me this is not a new thing, our players always muddle up with the cricket board which is very unfortunate.”

Former leg-spinner and chief selector Abdul Qadir also slammed Afridi for making a mockery of the word retirement.

“Nowadays, it has become a joke to announce your retirement,” said Qadir. “Our players are doing it regularly and backing out which causes embarrassment to Pakistan cricket.”

Inzamamul Haq

“I always expected Afridi to play good cricket but this is an unacceptable way to end everything. This is not a new thing, our players always have this thing against the cricket board which is very unfortunate.”

Rashid Latif

“Afridi’s decision to retire, after people like Younus Khan and Mohammad Yousuf left, should be treated as a serious issue and I demand the Pakistan government to form a committee and solve this.”

Wasim Akram

“It is sad and will hurt Pakistan cricket badly. Just last month, Afridi was showered with praise, given cash awards and suddenly this happened. Not even the best doctors have a treatment for Pakistan cricket.”

Moin Khan

“This is a mistake of the PCB administration. Afridi never took any names while he criticised the policies and the board took note of that. Why isn’t anyone in the government taking notice of PCB’s actions in last three years.”



Published in The Express Tribune, June 1^st, 2011.