Asia Cup disaster: Afridi’s job is safe, PCB chairman declares

Published March 3, 2016
Afridi's form and magic touch have deserted him just at the wrong time. — AFP/file
Afridi's form and magic touch have deserted him just at the wrong time. — AFP/file

Shahid Afridi will retain his position as the national T20 captain until the end of the upcoming World T20 despite a disastrous exit from the Asia Cup, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar Khan said on Thursday.

Pakistan were knocked out from the Asia Cup Twenty20 following a five-wicket-defeat at the hands of hosts Bangladesh on Wednesday. Afridi's side have thus far only managed to beat UAE in the tournament while they also suffered a thumping loss to India.

“I promised Shahid Afridi that he will be retained as Pakistan captain until the end of the World T20,” said Khan in a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

However, the PCB chief hinted at the possibility of changes in the national side as well as the team management before the World T20.

“I should held responsible for the team’s poor performance as well,” Khan said, calling for accountability within the PCB.

Shaharyar revealed that he had expressed dissatisfaction over the inclusion of several player in the Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup and World T20 — but the final decision had to be taken by the selection committee.

“The selection committee took decisions after the input of the captain and the coach.”

The PCB chairman said he had also consulted Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq over Pakistan's recent performances.

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