ISLAMABAD: The sweltering issue of Shahid Afridi’s differences with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) which resulted in his retirement a couple of days ago, has raised several eyebrows at the Presidency and the Prime Minister Secretariat which have asked the sports minister to give an independent input over the matter within a week, Dawn has learnt reliably.
The countdown has also started for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management over the matter relating to public interest in the recent past, said officials closed to the development.
Afridi, a flamboyant all-rounder, was replaced as national limited-overs captain with Misbah-ul-Haq last month, specifically after the former developed differences with the team management that also includes head coach Waqar Younis.
“The sports minister was contacted by the office of the Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani besides after a request of Afridi to the office of the Patron, who happens to be President Asif Ali Zardari, a similar direction has also been given to Shaukatullah,” said the federal official.
He said the report would be sent to both the offices after getting an official comment from Afridi and the PCB.Afridi’s sudden exit from all forms of international cricket has caused severe criticism from former cricketers who have slammed the policies of the Ijaz Butt-led PCB.
Following Afridi’s retirement announcement, the PCB terminated his central contract without giving the disgruntled former captain a patient hearing.
“There is some political concern linked with the matter and some political party leaders have also approached the offices of the president and prime minister to request a strong action against the PCB officialdom over this burning issue,” he said.
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