Afridi retirement: PCB demands explanation

It is now becoming a trend to associate the term “Controversy” with the Pakistan Cricket Board. This time, the controversy has come from the team’s former ODI skipper Shahid Afridi. Afridi, who added the flavour to the recently concluded world cup by taking Pakistan to the semi finals before losing to their arch rivals India, has found himself indulging in a new controversy. He had announced his retirement from cricket to a private Pakistani news channel GEO TV rather than announcing in a press conference, and it got him into all sorts of trouble.

Shahid Afridi: Epicenter of cricketing world's controversy

“There is nothing bigger than a man’s respect, and the way the board has treated me, there is a limit to everything. I will not play under this board. If a different board comes in, I will definitely return but I cannot play under this board. When you have been humiliated like this, by dishonourable people, what is the point in playing on? The way I’ve been treated… the future doesn’t look too good. I can’t play under a board that doesn’t respect its players. Because of this, under protest, this is a conditional retirement.”

An emotional, angry Afridi told Geo TV

The PCB chief, Ijaz Butt had found Afridi guilty for announcing his retirement in the way he did. Butt expressed his anger at the unprofessional way in which Afridi has handled his decision and said the following in a press release.

“By announcing his retirement in the manner that he did Shahid Afridi is in breach of Clause 2.1.4 of the Central Contract dealing with Covenants of the Cricketer. In passing disparaging remarks about the board and its officials, Shahid Afridi is in breach of Clause 4.4 dealing with Media obligations”

He also added that the board is expecting Afridi’s explanation within a weak and as mode of disconduct, his central contract has been suspended.

“A showcause notice has been issued to him seeking his explanation on these comments. Afridi has been asked to respond to the letter within 7 days. His Central Contract has been suspended with immediate effect. Consequently, all NOCs granted to him have been revoked. All payments on account of Central Contract have been suspended

Currently Afridi is at London to play Twenty20 Cup for Hampshire. Whether or not more fire will be added to the already brewing Shahid Afridi controversy remains to be seen.