Shahid Afridi looking forward to clarify things with Pakistan Cricket Board
Pakistan’s limited-overs captain, Shahid Afridi, has claimed that there has been a misunderstanding between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and him, which will be cleared soon.
The star player was reported to have a feud with head coach, Waqar Younis, over selection issues during the team’s tour of the Caribbean.
On his return to Pakistan, Afridi confirmed to the media that he had a difference of opinion with the team management over the playing-11 for the five-match One Day International (ODI) series against West Indies.
He said, “Although the differences in team management are not such which could not be solved, I feel everyone should do his job and need not interfere in other's work.”
PCB was not pleased by the remarks of Afridi in-front of the media and asked for an explanation from him.
However, the veteran player said, “I have received a letter from the Board and will send my reply tomorrow. It's all the result of misunderstanding and I'm sure the matter will be resolved soon.”
This was not the first time when the Pakistan skipper was asked to give an explanation over his comments.
He lashed out at his team-mates after a loss in the Twenty20 series against New Zealand in 2010. The players and officials were unhappy over the criticism and this almost led to Afridi’s sacking from the leadership job.
However, the veteran all-rounder was retained as captain for the ICC World Cup 2011 and led his side to the semi-final of the tournament. Although he lost the game to arch rivals India, there was a lot of support for him back home.
Both Afridi and Waqar were credited for combining the team nicely in the Mega Event but there were reports of a row between the two after that.
The team went to West Indies and managed to win the ODI series. They were in a very good position to claim a whitewash victory, winning the first three games. However, the tension in the dressing room led to defeats in the next two matches.
The Men in Green will now feature in a two-match Test series against the Caribbean Kings, starting from Thursday, May 12, 2011.
