World Cup curfew: Night out costs Afridi, seven others

E-Paper | June 13, 2026

SYDNEY: Eight Pakistan players, including maverick former captain Shahid Afridi, have been fined for breaching a team curfew ahead of their crucial World Cup game against India, sources said on Thursday.

They have also been warned that a repeat offence will see them kicked out of the tournament which starts on Saturday.

“Eight of the Pakistan players, which also included former captain Shahid Afridi and opener Ahmed Shehzad, were fined 300 Australian dollars (US $230) after they came late to their Sydney hotel on Sunday,” sources in the Pakistan team said on condition of anonymity.

The team management, headed by manager Naveed Cheema, a former military man, claimed the players arrived 45 minutes late after a night out.

“These players went with their friends for dinner but came back late,” said a team source. The players are understood to have apologised and have promised not to repeat the offence.

Team management have told the players that if such a breach was repeated they will be sent home on the first available flight.

Pakistan are placed in Group B of the 14-team World Cup which starts in New Zealand and Australia from Saturday.

Pakistan play their first group game against arch-rivals and title-holders India in Adelaide on Sunday. Pakistani players have a history of off-field discipline problems.

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A Pakistani

Feb 12, 2015 05:37pm

Night out????? It is only 2 warm-up matches they won and they are back on track.

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rana

Feb 12, 2015 05:38pm

this sound so funny

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PakSal

Feb 12, 2015 05:39pm

Discipline is important, especially when representing Pakistan. The rules must be taken seriously and enforced without any consideration.

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Ali Vaqar Awan

Feb 12, 2015 05:40pm

Nice step taken by Naveed Cheema. There should be no compromise on discipline. Players should realize that important matches are coming up and their focus should be on game. Strictness should apply when no performance is delivered.

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Asif

Feb 12, 2015 05:42pm

Same old story, they will never learn!

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Feb 12, 2015 05:49pm

These 30 and 40 year old 'teenagers' just cannot take responsibility can they? Curfews have to be imposed. Utterly shameful.

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Abu.Ashhad

Feb 12, 2015 05:53pm

dont compromise on the discipline!

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Rai

Feb 12, 2015 06:01pm

Crazy management, is cricket team on military mission that 45 minutes late is considered to be breach? As long as they are doing their job, let them enjoy...

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Rambo

Feb 12, 2015 06:03pm

Let them enjoy. Most of the year they are suffocated in Pakistan, and it is human to enjoy when there is an opportunity.

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Pukhtoon Yama

Feb 12, 2015 06:05pm

To err is human to forgive divine! The good thing about us is that we learn by making mistakes. Penalties and fines keeps us away from that. So it's normal take it easy folks!!

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Iqbal Arshad

Feb 12, 2015 06:06pm

Just win against India and all will be forgotten. However, if you fail then this will DEFINITELY be an issue raised by media.

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Jason

Feb 12, 2015 06:06pm

Its okay. Don't be so harsh on them. Its in our culture.

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Kesar

Feb 12, 2015 06:12pm

@rana - I couldn't see the funny side of the story. Perhaps you can elaborate.

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Waqar

Feb 12, 2015 06:13pm

Don't criticize the players only. Its the attitude of the whole nation. In order to just survive, it must be fixed. Remember "Unity, Faith, & Discipline".

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optimist

Feb 12, 2015 06:19pm

Don't treat international level players like kids. This will create resentment. How can you send back 8 players on the first available flight home. Is this a clause for requesting replacement from ICC technical committee.

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ali

Feb 12, 2015 06:22pm

Discipline....??? Leap years behind this term.

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N USA

Feb 12, 2015 06:24pm

Here we go!!!! Fun started already

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Adnan Anwar

Feb 12, 2015 06:26pm

Such a one sided article. So players are not allowed to have fun , are they in cadet college. Not sure how late the players were but PCB should not be too hard on its star players, because this kind of treatment will also be psychologically demoralizing too. Give it a rest PCB. This story should never have made it to press.

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Pali

Feb 12, 2015 06:26pm

The dog ate the homework didn't work this time

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Nader

Feb 12, 2015 06:27pm

Good on the cricketers to accept and apologize. 45 min is not much for a grown up but sports athletes who demonstrate disciplined serve as excellent role models for our youth.

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Taimur Malik - Australia

Feb 12, 2015 06:29pm

what the heck, curfew is not justified 3 days ahead of the game, it should be only applied day before game. this is bit harsh they should not be let live under pressure of game. Good sleep before the game is just enough. We over do things which serves negative purpose than positive. Let's not put too much pressure on players, Manager should be doing every effort to make players feel fresh not bogged down with pressure. Manager should be thinking this is not military college or Army managed school...

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Saleem

Feb 12, 2015 06:30pm

Brilliant. Discipline has to be enforced at all cost. No one is more important that national pride and honour. This has happened many times before and should be nipped in the bud this time.

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Rienz

Feb 12, 2015 06:32pm

When the fine is only a measly 300 Australian dollars, these rich cricketers don't care about breaking the rules.

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I.H.Bokhari

Feb 12, 2015 06:36pm

They also have on the field descipline issues as well......

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BALA

Feb 12, 2015 06:36pm

45 mins late. why be so strict? they should not party the whole night. 45 mins should be left off with a light warning.

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Taimur Malik - Australia

Feb 12, 2015 06:42pm

So the editor thinks I am Pakistani so he decides not to publish my comments...its only allowed to Indians. Why to ban players, what you want players to bogged down with pressure and only think about the India game? bad thinking, they need to let loose and allow to enjoy their time I think one and a half day before the game is sufficient to put curfew. they are not kids in military school, they are grown up mens and like to enjoy their free time. So management got better be thoughtful not rude...

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AKNasser

Feb 12, 2015 06:43pm

Come at time, show up at time is not in our psyche , why blame these spoiled, rich heroes , are n't you glad they came back to hotel ?

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Feb 12, 2015 06:49pm

Excellent decision by the team management of green-shirts to strictly implement discipline in all ranks and columns of the current team in Australia. Only if they sleep early, they can do better next morning. Otherwise, human body can't perform fully on the ground next day. This is a centuries old universal principle which is often ignored by many green-shirt cricketers.

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Feb 12, 2015 06:56pm

@rana Whats so funny??? The fine or the compliance to discipline???

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Shaukat

Feb 12, 2015 07:00pm

preparing to loose

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Sam

Feb 12, 2015 07:11pm

Seems excessive fine to me...if they were two or three hours late then you will understand.

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Junaid

Feb 12, 2015 07:14pm

rules are there for a reason. These rules are read and understood by every one before they are implemented. So abiding by the rules is important. Unfortunately in Pakistan on every level and walk of life there are rules but zero implementation and that is what translates into the people whether they are players, politicians, or a common person.

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Husain Jan

Feb 12, 2015 07:14pm

@Rienz Yes, usd 230 is just peanuts for these rich...very rich guys. They would damn care about fines but yes none would like to be sent back and even the management would also not send any one back.

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Feb 12, 2015 07:26pm

Common people. let the boys have some fun. Who is gonna take them out for dinner after the tournament anyway!

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Ahsan

Feb 12, 2015 07:29pm

What are they so happy about celebrating nights out? All challenges lie ahead. Looks like they are excited about the warm up matches they won.

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Faisal

Feb 12, 2015 07:29pm

Hey guys dont stress, just train and rest well for the big game ahead. Do well and make your country proud. Good Luck to all the participating teams.

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Asim

Feb 12, 2015 07:33pm

Come on man, tomorrow there is no match, they can afford to go out for 45 mins more. COME ON! whats wrong with you people...

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saeeds

Feb 12, 2015 07:43pm

When in Pakistan and in the field they all about good Muslim. But like to enjoy night life of western countries. Pakistani hate Pakistan as open liberal secular country but love to go countries have these values.

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Khalid

Feb 12, 2015 07:44pm

Yeah, right!!! Cheema is going to send Afridi back on the first available flight........LOL. He was a recent guest of Gen. Raheel. He's a senior player, take him aside and reason with him not to be a bad example to younger members of the team. Surely that will wok not empty threats.

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Awais Rana

Feb 12, 2015 07:48pm

No you cant send them back on the first flight- as the team has no back up. All injured payers are already gone back home at the first available flight :D!

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Mani

Feb 12, 2015 07:51pm

@Rambo well said

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Dr. Khalid

Feb 12, 2015 07:52pm

Come on.. Countries like England, Australia ect organizes special evening events for players to entertain and energize them. These are grown men. You can't jsut ruin their moods at this crucial time. Just remeber, an unhappy team can cost you the world cup!

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Sonny Afridi

Feb 12, 2015 07:56pm

That's typical. They were probably out shopping and partying - which begs the question. Do they have their priorities in order? They need to abide by the rules and be in tip top shape. I hope they wont let us down like this.

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Sonny Afridi

Feb 12, 2015 07:57pm

@Rambo They live like kings in Pakistan

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saj

Feb 12, 2015 08:12pm

@Rai Rules are Rules. Rules are there for a reason.

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Rehan

Feb 12, 2015 08:20pm

For all those lamenting the players .... Have you ever been out for dinner with friends or family and got late just cuz you're having a good time .... take it easy, they didn't spend the night out, just spend some extra time hanging out with friends ( probably eating dinner at a desi restaurant in Sydney ) and there are 8 of them....They are humans ( not machines ) so let it be .... Being fined and warned is fine but keep that news should just rest there

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shazia

Feb 12, 2015 08:27pm

A shameful act by the team management .The boys had not gone to dance party or pub but to a dinner arranged by a pakistani community and that too with managemnt permission.Twenty minutes delay was not a crime enough to be punished and brought before the media.It will really affect the game against india.what if Afridy or Ahmad shehzad repeat the same tommorrow.Has Naveed chima the guts to send them back .no way.I think the news should not have come to the media in such crucial time.A bad bad thing on mangement side.

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Murtaza

Feb 12, 2015 08:27pm

300 $ - that's it ? there should be atleast an entire match fee fine so that the next time they do not do it.

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kazar

Feb 12, 2015 08:27pm

come on they went out for dinner with friends and only 40 mins late only , give them a break

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Abdul Malik

Feb 12, 2015 08:27pm

What do you expect from such players when they go out and have a good time during curfew hours

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Raja Amer Khan

Feb 12, 2015 08:43pm

Come on guys it's their right to go out and take selfies :-P

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Rakaposhi

Feb 12, 2015 08:48pm

45 minutes after coming from a dinner? Only warning was more than enough.

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Pramod US

Feb 12, 2015 08:57pm

@Taimur Malik - Australia Who says Editor publishes Indian comments . Even simple comments of mine does not get printed but many derogatory remarks against India gets printed.

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Pessimist

Feb 12, 2015 08:59pm

Yaar let them enjoy these few days. India will chew them alive anyway and they wil be back home soon anyway. Why such a ruckus?

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A Pakistani

Feb 12, 2015 09:03pm

@Pessimist ... Good --- you know everything. What was your prediction against Australia in the warm up match and also in the Tri Nation Tournament.

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Rahul

Feb 12, 2015 09:08pm

That's okay, big boys play at night, and then join politics!!!

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farhad

Feb 12, 2015 09:16pm

wow... cracking discipline PCB have shown... now all these guys will be obedient, match winners and take Pak to glory.... shame on PCB for treating professionals like school kids.

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vinie

Feb 12, 2015 09:18pm

Hehehe dont understand what to comment !!!.. i think discipline is needed for any team before big tournament..it was good step to conrol them,otherwise match fixer can traped them or because of late night party they can loose their focus..

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Dr. Sadaf

Feb 12, 2015 09:25pm

@Rai , this enjoyment can land them and the country in trouble. It is time to totally concentrate for what they have gone to do there, first achieve something and then enjoy.

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Muhammad

Feb 12, 2015 09:26pm

At least dont publish such news globally. This should be kept within the team management. Such news can bring down the moral of our sensitive players. Especially before the India match!

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Hyder

Feb 12, 2015 09:33pm

Sir What sort of example Shahif Afridi is setting despite huge international experience??? Disgraceful incidence!!!

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Abbas Ali

Feb 12, 2015 09:34pm

I stopped following Pakistani team, when they lost the match to Bangladesh in a very special way.

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Pramod US

Feb 12, 2015 09:35pm

@shazia Where it is written that they went to dinner organised by Pakistani community and they were 45 mins late. These rules are there for some reason.

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Shafiq khan

Feb 12, 2015 09:43pm

@optimist If the players behave like unrully teenagers then they should be licked in to shape. There is no rule that they be there. They can go home if they do not like it. They clamour for joining the team. But chose to disobey the rules of the game.

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Whatisinname

Feb 12, 2015 09:50pm

We are the topmost nation in the world that celebrates its every success to the limit where success starts eating itself leading to horrible defeats.

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NASH

Feb 12, 2015 09:52pm

Pakistan team should be managed like the Chinese manage their teams. Wake up early morning, national anthem, go to work, come back eat and rest:-).

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Mirza Karamat Baig

Feb 12, 2015 09:58pm

Afridi will never grow, he still behaves like an immature teenager. Ahmed Shahzad is more of a show off than a performer.

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azmat

Feb 12, 2015 10:09pm

45 minutes is not a big deal. Come on Naveed Cheema. don't treat them like school kids

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Dr. Sehar Khan

Feb 12, 2015 10:31pm

Read the true story in the "The Sydney Morning Herald Magazine" they were having fun in the sydney night club.

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Farraz

Feb 12, 2015 10:46pm

come on Manager they are cricketers not school kids. Mind need to be fresh. can manager entertain to keep players mind fresh :) World is Changed Dear Manager. You are way behind the world.

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Armughan

Feb 12, 2015 10:48pm

Discipline is a good thing. However, 45 minutes seems like a storm in a tea cup. I do not support carelessness but as long as they perform, its nothing big. In fact, if they feel better and perform, there is nothing like it. Don't need distractions and threat before the world cup starts. If other teams were so strict on these matters, i doubt that even half their players would be playing. Anyhow, this could well be nothing and media attention may be magnifying the issue unnecessarily. Just go out, perform and entertain us all!

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malick

Feb 12, 2015 10:50pm

This is to demoralize the team and keep away from win. Nothing more than foolishness.

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Danish

Feb 12, 2015 10:57pm

Now if they are unhappy and play bad against India then don't blame them...

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Fee

Feb 12, 2015 11:09pm

Some people are incorrigible, they think themselves to be above the law.

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Range Rover

Feb 12, 2015 11:13pm

Don´t put extra pressure on boys, let them play and enjoy please!

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Zedan

Feb 12, 2015 11:28pm

Beat India plz we would also enjoy with you.

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Urgh!

Feb 12, 2015 11:40pm

@Rambo : Sure, win the world cup and then enjoy. Its time to work!

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Raza

Feb 12, 2015 11:54pm

Military Inc..... as you can understand now, how deep the roots of "PAk fauj" are from real estate to cricket. so funny . Don't be late next time guys. We are not able to get rid of "military inc" who has no clue about the game of cricket.

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Naseer

Feb 13, 2015 12:24am

Stop treating players,like minors,keep confidence on them,if the management doesn't trust them,they shouldn't have selected them. If the players are involved in illegal activity procute them, no reason of night curfue

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Canada

Feb 13, 2015 12:43am

Another great example by the self centred wannabe captain Afridi. Personal gratification comes before the team for him.

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Dr muhammed atahulla

Feb 13, 2015 12:51am

They got free from blast ridden pakistan and naturally felt relieved. This would happen to every pakistani once he is out of country.

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Dr. Sadaf

Feb 13, 2015 01:04am

@Muhammad , these sensitive players should also be a little sensitive towards the sentiments of people of their country, their carelessness in the past has landed them in trouble before and hence the whole country goes down with them.

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Kamal

Feb 13, 2015 01:23am

And he wanted to become the captain of Pakistan cricket team. I am so glad he is retiring from one day format. He is a good player of T20 format and will be an excellent player if ICC ever introduced T10, T8 or T1 format.

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Abbas khan

Feb 13, 2015 01:31am

If this Naveed Cheema himself had been a disciplined & outstanding officer, he would have been elevated to the rank of General. This discarded army officer shouldn't offer mental tortures to our players. Let them relax to get mentally more stronger in the tournament. May I ask what's the merit of Cheema sb by the way to be the Manager?

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Malik

Feb 13, 2015 01:49am

Why are we surprised.

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Kdspirited

Feb 13, 2015 01:51am

It's no big deal till you loose a match. Why is it that our players are incapable of following the rules that exist for all countries and their players. Why should they be allowed to break the rules even if it is for 45 min. Unacceptable!

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Nazir Ahmed

Feb 13, 2015 02:17am

They are grown up but behave like K.G. kids.

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Adi

Feb 13, 2015 02:24am

I am disappointent at Afridi

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wadeira ka beta

Feb 13, 2015 02:31am

Ahmed Shehzad needed to take new selfies. Change of background was needed.

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Dr. Sehar Khan

Feb 13, 2015 02:41am

@Dr. Khalid... "You can't jsut ruin their moods" Hain?

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abdul

Feb 13, 2015 02:43am

Discipline is important but keeping an eye on their diet so close to the world cup games is even more important. The last thing we need is for some of them to have upset tummies. They are there for a purpose and nights out is not one of them.

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Lala

Feb 13, 2015 02:53am

Whats wrong with some grown up adults enjoying a bit??

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A Shah

Feb 13, 2015 03:29am

Afridi is a selfish an who cares for nobody but himself. He should not be in the team

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adil jadoon

Feb 13, 2015 03:32am

@Rai I was expecting you to say that bro.

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white noise

Feb 13, 2015 03:42am

for Afridi its the last chance to have fun on company paid expense. but then I don't blame them, there is so much to see in Sydney, unless they got held up at the "gentlemen's club" !!!

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Faisal

Feb 13, 2015 04:03am

This is crazy - ok let kick out these 8 players and find some other guys off the street to play the game

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Chief

Feb 13, 2015 04:30am

Let them relax a little as you don't want to create pressure for the India game. They should do some team activity to get them ready for the big game.

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Fezzzz

Feb 13, 2015 04:52am

rules are there for a reason pakistani team in australia is getting paid to play cricket not to go out and have fun once there job is done they can go and do whatever they like, its like someone sends u somewhere for work purpose and pays u good money for it and u r out there having a night out not fair..

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obaid

Feb 13, 2015 05:41am

Aa..I am wondering what military manager has to do with cricket. They have never produced a single world class player. They are expected to do the same to cricket Like they did to squash..unfortunate..

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NASR

Feb 13, 2015 05:51am

Same Old Habits. Same Old Story

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Melbourne

Feb 13, 2015 05:56am

Night out ??? And they have to play on 15/2/15? What are they celebrating BTW?

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Kadir Khan, TX

Feb 13, 2015 05:59am

@A Pakistani - And if they win their 1st match against india then for sure they will be sent back home...... for partying all night.

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Marwat

Feb 13, 2015 06:39am

Discipline is ok but making players unhappy can't bring good results. Why would Army personnel be in charge of cricket? Seems like no one is there in civiliane when it comes to management.

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Lyra

Feb 13, 2015 07:12am

They anyways have to take the first flight home after their last match of first round. Let them enjoy now. Later there is no time.

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Vishal

Feb 13, 2015 07:21am

And on the other hand, Indian captain chose to skip attending birth of his very first child...

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Pak patriot

Feb 13, 2015 08:17am

Boy's will be Boy's.

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Mirza

Feb 13, 2015 09:37am

King Afridi is above regulations and discipline. He has been out of control and gets away with that. Discipline is for poor ordinary players not the political leader who loves to go public and media. Babar is much better bowler and should be included instead of Afridi in the eleven. Afridi has given more than 10 runs per wicket than his mediocre batting average. In other words his batting and bowling average is minus 10.

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Adnan

Feb 13, 2015 10:01am

Lala celebrating before the cup has started! Be good little 'boys' from now on otherwise might end the WC early and a flight home to face the music of our passionate supporters. Don't worry about the $300 fine - all your endorcements during the cup will make up for it. Maybe some team bonding inside the hotel from now on - more selfies perhaps.

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Zedex

Feb 13, 2015 10:10am

We we in media for wrong reasons. This is a non issue

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Adnan

Feb 13, 2015 10:20am

@Rienz I don't think you have seen players out overseas. No matter how rich they are they don't like spending ANY money especially for outings, only for taking gifts back home They rely on their numerous fans (overseas Pakistanis) who take them out to dinner etc. There is normally a big line of well wishers outside their hotel rooms late at night and it is a bit crazy sometimes. The manager needs to be in control of situations like these - I don't think Moin would have imposed any penalties. Some of these youngsters are on their first tour so $300 will be a big deal for them when they convert it to Rs.

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Mohammad Iqbal

Feb 13, 2015 10:59am

They were out on an important appointment with Mr. B. Hope u understand?

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T. M. Wazir

Feb 13, 2015 11:37am

@rana This is very serious offense nothing funny at all.

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Rienz

Feb 13, 2015 11:41am

@Husain Jan Yes, but when fines are peanuts, these rich cricketers will test how far they can go breaking rules and will stop one step short of being banned.

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Fawzia

Feb 13, 2015 11:49am

Do we have 8 extra players ready and waiting?

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peaceforworld

Feb 13, 2015 11:50am

This sunday Plz send Afridi At No 3 and plz for god sake ask him to just spend time in the crease and behave like a senior batsman for the last time the way he did in 2009 t20 world cup. The Playing 11 must be Shehzad-Nasir-Afridi-Maqsood-Sohail-Misbah-Akmal-Yasir-Khan-Ali-Irfan Plz be strong mentally and create history this time.

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Rienz

Feb 13, 2015 11:55am

@Adnan Yes I have seen cricketers overseas (including Pakistani cricketers) and have also seen plenty of Pakistani cricketers (including youngsters) forfeiting substantial amounts of their match fees, because they do not care about small amounts. At this professional level when they are expected to represent the country with lucrative contracts, they are expected behave like professionals not like some immature school kids (I bet school kids would have acted more maturely then these ungrateful cricketers). Even for youngsters who are on their "first tour", 300 dollars is not a big deal. By the way all the 8 players were not on their first tour, definitely not Afridi. So, lets stop making excuses for these indisciplined bunch of cricketers.

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anil

Feb 13, 2015 02:36pm

Did this happen with other teams also?

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desi_mani

Feb 13, 2015 03:16pm

We break signals. We bribe police officers and passport agents. We steal electricity and dont pay taxes. We grab unoccupied land that may belong to someone else. We throw acid on women faces. We bomb ourselves so that non muslims can die. We kill Shias because they dont agree with our faith. We believe women to be inferior. We sell illegal counterfeit items. We use child labour in our factories. We create 5 kids in the salary of Rs. 10,000/- and then complain But hey......Discipline should be STRICTLY reserved & RUTHLESSLY applied for the 15 cricketers that wear our jersey.

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riaz

Feb 13, 2015 03:44pm

Rules are set for a reason .....totally unprofessional. For those who are arguing for the team.....must be beach boys. Watch coach Carter. I am club cricketer and I confine to reasonable times when preparing for big matches. These guys are not going to beat India now that's for sure!!

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Adnan

Feb 13, 2015 05:04pm

@Dr. Sehar Khan Not sure about smh but I read in TheNews of Shehzad picking up a fight with a big guy who is apparently a local boxer, when the players were asked by someone of Pakistani origin what they were doing in a local club. Lucky to escape without getting hurt. The question is what were these other local people doing in the club in the first place, praying for forgiveness? I think the players got the message now - there are Pakistani people everywhere so keep a low profile or you are bound to get noticed. Boys one word of advice - save your aggression for the WC opener.

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Shafiq khan

Feb 13, 2015 06:16pm

@Abbas khan why can not you focus on the issue. The curfew , which is normal for all international teams of any support. Mr. Cheema is appointed to do a job, whatever his credentials are not the point. Should he do his job or not? Yes and ignore those who suggest otherwise. The only issue I have is the punishment is soft. The millionaire s do not feel such punishment as effective. Somebody tell us the rewards these players get ?

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Shoaib

Feb 13, 2015 06:22pm

They are not prisoners, let them enjoy and free minded. I don't know why they have so apologetic behaviour, both the players and the manager.

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Shoaib

Feb 13, 2015 06:28pm

They were not stealing anything or not even drunk. Following rules is good thing, but a threat is no way acceptable because it can affect their performance too.

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Shafiq khan

Feb 13, 2015 06:33pm

@shazia w No, madam you are wrong on all counts. Do you want the managers to do the job they are paid for to do or not? dDo you know more about the management of highly paid professionals than the people on duty ? If the players you named are so stupid enough to follow your advice, good luck to them, the team will survive without them, as it has over the years without those who thought themselves indispensable. We are a nation of 200 million to find replacement is not a rocket science. So get off your high horse and talk sense. There is nobody in Pakistan who would not be happy to step in their place. Besides each of them is paid a princely sum and that is a job they will use all means to keep even when they are deemed unfit to do the job.

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James Martell

Feb 13, 2015 08:55pm

This is what the Pakistan team did on the night before the 2003 final against Australia they were all in the Golden Nugget betting on 32 red...the following morning the game was over before breakfast was made...its only then the team management realised they must have curfews. But whats worrying is the fact that a curfew is in place they still disregard it and manage to come back late showing complete disrespect or team rules. Rules are made for a reason especially when your an ambassador to a country that has had its reputation badly damaged through ill management. It just demonstrates why Pakistan Players (often surpressed when working the fields) manage to go off the rails (Akhtar) they simply dont care other than themselves. Shame on them. Personally, they need to root out the non compliers, i suppose many of them will retire after wc.

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Feb 13, 2015 10:28pm

it's ridiculous to see some of the comments sympathising with the players. It is highly irresponsible of the team members to be taking curfews and discipline lightly. These guys are there to do their job. If they want to have fun, they are paid well enough to be able to do it on their own expense in their own time. I travel to all parts of the world myself and am speaking from personal experience.

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imtiaz hamid

Feb 13, 2015 10:29pm

Do not make a Federal case out of it . They were fined and warned. Send them home? Manager and coach is going to play. It is a game not a military expedition. Play it like a sport that what it is. So many injuries already is it result of pushing players too hard ? After all great players such as Inzamam was not not a picture of world class fitness.

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Yasin Chinoy

Feb 13, 2015 11:33pm

@shazia I agree with Shazia, it was just dinner, not clubs or boozing.

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Amer

Feb 14, 2015 02:28am

@Rambo Most of the year they are playing cricket all around the world ..they are definitely not suffocating, if they can't act like adults then they should be treated as such.

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fida sayani USA

Feb 14, 2015 04:24am

Fine of three hundred Australian dollars is too cheap. At the end of the tour all the money they have earned should be taken from them and given to the poor of Pakistan.

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Pessimist

Feb 14, 2015 10:31am

@A Pakistani ... You really going to ask that question??? Check stats...

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A Pakistani

Feb 14, 2015 01:00pm

@Pessimist -stats shows my dear- Pakistan beat India 72 times which is 15 times bigger than 5. Pakistan won Australasia cup by beating India, Defeated india in India one day 5-1, test 1-0, won Nehro cup in India, won Asian test championship in India,1 time world winner, finalist in1999, 6 times semi finalist, 2 times U-19 champion, 2 Asia cup winner, Never played any match on home ground in last 5 years but keep winning series/matches. Alll wins in last 5 years outside Pakistan. Now check your stats for india's record outside india. :)

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mahen

Feb 14, 2015 05:08pm

@A Pakistani Nice records of past 30 years when such talents as Zaheer ABBas were playing! Tody thtat stat has NO value.

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Nasir Islam

Feb 14, 2015 09:49pm

They should be focused on the game and winning. They also should be well rested. Nights out should be taken on days they do not have a match the next morning. Self-discipline is crucial. Late night are no good for winning games next morning.

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sri1

Feb 15, 2015 03:40am

@malick "This is to demoralize the team and keep away from win" Those Indian BCCI and RAW have gotten together. They must be paying Cheema heavily to demoralize this champion team!

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A Person

Feb 15, 2015 07:22am

@optimist Absolutely!

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ABDUL

Feb 15, 2015 10:34am

Afidi is reckless. He took seven other players to some place, we do not know. Gone for dinner may be a cover-up. Let us assume for argument sake that they did go for dinner, It was damn risky. They could have been poisoned. And why go roaming the streets at night when important match is so close at hand. If Pakistan looses the match; this factor will remain the main cause of defeat.

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