I was reduced to zero after World Cup heroics: Afridi

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has once again launched a stinging attack at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the management of the national team.

Speaking to the media at the launch of his new business venture ‘Fashion Valley’ the seasoned all-rounder stated that he was reduced to a ‘zero’ only a few days after being hailed as a national hero following the spirited performance of the team in the World Cup.

Afridi, who announced his retirement from international cricket in controversial circumstances after his abrupt removal from captaincy by the PCB at the end of the West Indies tour, was replaced at the helm by Misbah-ul-Haq for the ODI series against Ireland. Besides that, Afridi was also fined Rs4.5 million by the Board’s disciplinary committee which had earlier canceled his NOC for participation in the English T20 competition where he was to represent Hampshire.

The flamboyant big-hitter on Monday expressed dismay at PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt’s attitude during the entire retirement controversy and said it was unbecoming of a chairman and had caused him great distress.

Afridi reiterated his stance of not playing under the present regime of the cricket board. “I cannot play with people who conspired against me and worked against the team, they have their personal interests paramount to them and they are only damaging the team.”

He added that he had his heart in representing his country and did not want to let down millions of fans who reposed their confidence in him time and again.

“I have always maintained that playing for Pakistan is my priority, I would always prefer representing my country over any offer from anywhere in the world,” said an emotionally charged Afridi.

He thanked his fans and said that he had earned the respect of the nation due to his forthright attitude and passion for the game.

Afridi, who captained the team to ODI series win over the West Indies, dispelled the notion that his behaviour had cost the team the last two matches of the series.

“I did not take part in the selection meeting on the eve of the last two matches. The team was selected by coach Waqar Younis and Intikhab Alam and I had no input in the selection of the playing eleven.”

Afridi insisted that the national selection committee needed to be consistent in its policies of inducting new players in the team but should refrain from over-experimenting. “A pool of players need to be groomed for the years to come to raise a solid playing XI for Pakistan,” he said.