Re: Akhtar blames Afridi/ Shoaib is lying says Afridi
Pakistan tell Shoaib to ‘shut up’
Shoaib Akhtar has been told to keep quiet about the incident with Mohammad Asif which saw the paceman thrown out of Pakistan’s World Twenty20 squad.
The 32-year-old hit Asif on the thigh with a bat and has been banned until an inquiry into the episode takes place.
Shoaib insisted he struck his team-mate accidentally after being provoked by a remark from all-rounder Shahid Afridi.
But board chairman Nasim Ashraf said: “Shoaib and the others should keep their mouth shut on this issue.”
All-rounder Sohail Tanvir, 22, has taken Shoaib’s place in the 15-man Pakistan squad in South Africa.
The controversial fast bowler has pleaded with the PCB to show leniency to him, saying: “I ask the authorities not to ban me for a lengthy period.”
But Ashraf warned him to stop making public comments until the disciplinary proceedings are complete.
“It is not helping either the team or the image of Pakistan cricket. Until the inquiry begins he should remain quiet,” he added.
"There is a code of conduct in place for the players and they are violating it by speaking on this issue which has already proved damaging for us.
“Comments by the players will only reduce the morale of the team and affect them in the World Cup.”
PCB chief executive Shafqat Naghmi left for South Africa on Sunday to start the inquiry.
SOURCE: BBC SPORT | Cricket | International Teams | Pakistan | Pakistan tell Shoaib to 'shut up'
PCB has appointed a 3 member committee to investigate the matter, and will be chaired by PCB chief executive Shafqat Naghmi. Other committee members are Director Cricket Operations Zakir Khan and PCB HR director Nadeem Akram.
*I totally agree with punishing Akhtar for what he did, however something which is equally important is to find out how did all this was leaked out. Dressing room fights are something not abnormal, however they become embarrasing once they are leaked out and become public after media spice them up. Again there is no justification of hitting someone with a bat in a dressing room but the matter could have been dealt in a better manner. They could have made up a story of a discipline breach by Shoaib. Events since the oval test have already tarnished Pakistan image and this latest episode was the last thing we needed. *
*As far as Afridi role goes, as alot of other members pointed out he is no saint. He openly expressed his feelings when Malik was appointed the captain. Later he started a campaign when Salman butt was appointed vice captain. When ICL issue started and PCB was luring Yousuf back with financial incentives, he openly grumbled about it. *
PCB needs to take a lesson from this shameful episode and should keep an eye on potential truoble makers including Afridi. Afridi is a true match winner for Pakistan and PCB needs to implement step ensuring that Afridi conentrates on performing for Pakistan instead of creating dishormany and creating hostile environment. Infact, this should go for all the member of the squad. For a change PCB should send a stong message disallowing dirty politics and encouraging unity among the team members.