PCB-Afridi confrontation – A to Z story
Pakistan’s star all-rounder, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482, who started his international career in 1996, has always been a most popular cricketer of the country, considering his outstanding performance.
Recently, the hard-hitting batsman captained the national side in the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 World Cup 2011, proving his potential as a skipper.
Before the start of the tournament, no one was considering the Men in Green as a competent side, following the debate over combination of the team, uncertain policies by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the spot-fixing controversies.
Despite unpleasant happening, the 31-year-old led the team marvellously, which helped to unite the shattered side.
After performing outstandingly in the league matches of the mega event, eventually, the Green Shirts qualified for the semi-final against India.
The way the vibrant all-rounder inspired his Men to reach in the semi-final, convinced every critic to change his/her opinion.
Though, the Green Shirts failed to win over http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750, but still managed to receive Pakistan’s people support and love, as it was happening first time after losing against the rivals.
On the other hand, following brilliant captaincy, Afridi also earned massive repute and respect in his country.
Considering his terrific performance, the governing body of cricket in Pakistan retained him as captain for the Caribbean tour, showing confidence over his abilities.
But the story starts from here, the unpleasant confrontation between the useful all-rounder and PCB.
Despite winning the 5-match ODI series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Waqar-Younis-Maitla-c96193 had rifts with each other during the tour.
After arriving Pakistan from a successful tour, the attacking batsman also revealed in media that the former fast bowler, Younis had always misused his authority as a national mentor.
"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,” he stated at that time.
"I always say everyone should do their own job and it is not appropriate to interfere in the matters of others. I am responsible for my work and the others are responsible for theirs," the star batsman added.
Meanwhile, former chairman of PCB, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ijaz-Butt-c64128, sacked the aggressive batsman from the captaincy after his media outburst against the Younis.
Whereas, Afridi slammed the board chairman, refused to play under Butt, and announcing conditional retirement from international cricket.
The governing body of cricket in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hampshire-c789.
Following PCB’s action, Afridi filed a petition in Sindh High Court (SCH) to challenge the decision.
Later, the veteran of 325 ODIs, 27 Tests, and 43 Twenty20s withdrew the petition, as PCB granted him NOC to play overseas.
It was generally perceived that both the parties had come to agreement, following interference from the political ranks of the country in Afridi’s favour.
Recently, the former chairman completed his tenure, and the pattern in chief, Pakistan’s president, Asif Ali Zardari appointed the banker, Zaka Ashraf as PCB’s chairman.
After the appointment of Ashraf, the star batsman has taken his retirement back, as he has always been saying that he is ready to play for the country provided environment is healthy.
Afridi has also met with the newly appointed chairman of PCB, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ashraf-c46397, which pave his way to make a comeback in the national side.
Reportedly, the meeting between the star all-rounder, and PCB’s chairman ended on a positive note, as later he was included in Pakistan’s ODI side for the upcoming 5-match series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 in UAE.
Disclaimer: This feature does not represent the editorial policy of Bettor.com. It is solely an opinion of the writer.
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