Shahid Afridi to be relieved of Captaincy – Misbah to be new captain
Pakistan’s One Day International (ODI) skipper, Shahid Afridi, is reportedly going to be relieved of captaincy for his alleged lack of discipline, form, and, commitment to the game.
“The PCB has received go ahead to relieve Afridi from captaincy for his indiscipline, lack of form, and, commitment to the game”, revealed a source inside the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Afridi returned from the West Indian tour after leading his side to a 3-2 victory in a 5-match ODI series.
The Men in Green were thoroughly criticized by senior players and analysts alike. Their failure to dominate a weakened West Indies side was seen as a poor display of cricket.
Afridi’s individual performance in the series was not impressive either. He could only manage to score 29 runs in three innings, at an abysmal average of 9.67.
With the ball he barely managed to pick up four wickets at more than 42 runs apiece.
To make things worse, Afridi had a row with the team’s coach, Waqar Younis. The story made headlines earlier this week while the PCB issued a notice to Afridi for breaching the code of conduct.
Reportedly, Afirid had a tiff with team management over player selection. The skipper wanted to bat Ahmed Shehzad at the one-down position, instead of Asad Shafiq. The team’s manager, Intikhab Alam, reported the matter back home, leading to the PCB taking note.
Afridi, who retired from Test cricket earlier, has returned home while the Pakistani Test side is gearing up to face the Windies in a two-match Test Series.
The Cornered Tigers are scheduled to make a stop at Belfast on their way back. They will be playing two One-Day matches against Ireland on May 27, 29, 2011.
According to sources, “It will be Misbah who will lead the team in Ireland. Afridi’s indiscipline behavior has forced the PCB to replace him”.
The source further added, “Either he would himself sit out of the short series against Ireland or would face the ban. Any clever move from Afridi from here on could land him in further trouble”.
It is interesting to note that much praise was heaped on Afridi last month when he led his side to the Semi-Finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Giving some impressive performances with the ball, Afridi emerged as the highest wicket taker of the tournament with 21 wickets.
