File picture taken on October 25, 2010 shows Pakistani limited over cricket team captain Shahid Afridi speaking during a press conference in Abu Dhabi. -AFP Photo

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board on Tuesday suspended the central contract of former one-day captain Shahid Afridi, who had announced his retirement from international cricket, a board statement said.

At the same time it revoked all no-objection certificates (NOCs) for the player, meaning he will not be officially permitted to play abroad, the PCB said.

Afridi, a hugely popular big-hitting all-rounder, had been expected to play for Hampshire in the Twenty20 league in England next month, and also in the Sri Lanka Premier League a month later.

The 31-year-old, who was stripped of the Pakistan one-day captaincy earlier this month, announced his retirement from all international cricket on Monday following a spat with coach Waqar Younis.

“PCB has initiated action against Afridi in response to the multiple breaches he has committed under the central contract signed with PCB,” the statement said.

The PCB said Afridi must explain within seven days why he levelled allegations against the Board.