September 03, 2008	Wednesday	Ramazan 2, 1429

KARACHI, Sept 2: Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi on Tuesday denied undermining the authority of VVS Laxman, his captain at Deccan Chargers, but maintained that the Indian lacks aggression.

The flamboyant all-rounder started a war of words with Laxman with his unflattering remarks that the Indian lacked both aggression and leadership qualities. Afridi also felt that Adam Gilchrist would have been a better skipper for the Deccan Chargers in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League.

Stung by Afridi’s remarks, Laxman said the Pakistani lacked team ethics and criticised him for his outburst without any provocation.

Shocked by Afridi’s sudden outburst, a hurt Laxman said that the Indian Premier League debacle was a collective failure and the captain alone should not be blamed.

“Afridi has no team ethics. Speaking negatively about the team in public, let alone the captain, is just not on,” a miffed Laxman was quoted as saying by a website. “Being an experienced cricketer, he should not be questioning the way the team functions. I am really shocked to say the least,” the stylish Hyderabadi said.

Seeking to placate Laxman, Afridi said he was being misunderstood but maintained that Laxman was not aggressive enough. “Perhaps what I said about the Chargers team on the television show has come out a bit too strong but my only point was that Laxman needs to be more aggressive on the field,” Afridi said.

”There was neither any intention to demean Laxman’s stature or contribution as a player and captain nor to create a controversy. I was asked a simple question and I answered it honestly,” Afridi said.

He also made it clear that it was his personal opinion that Gilchrist was a better captain. “There is no question of me violating team ethics. I know I disappointed my fans, captain and management in the IPL and I aim to make amends in the next season.

In fact I did say clearly that only Gilchrist, Rohit Sharma and Laxman had made some good contributions in the IPL but we didn’t click as a team,” said Afridi who himself was a big flop with the bat.—Agencies