Afridi asked to appear before PCB probe committee

LAHORE – The inquiry committee probing the reasons of Australia series debacle has asked flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi to appear before them to record his statement.
A six-member inquiry committee will see Afridi on Friday where the all-rounder will explain his ball-biting antic in Perth, while captain Mohammad Yousuf and coach Intikhab Alam will give their versions of the team’s comprehensive rout in Australia.
“Yes, we have also summoned Shahid Afridi on Friday. We have been directed by the board chairman to treat this inquiry as very seriously and not spare anyone found guilty of not doing his duty in Australia,” Pakistan Cricket Board’s Chief Operating Officer Wasim Bari said.
Leading the team in Yousuf’s absence, Afridi was seen biting the ball in the final ODI at Perth, which earned him a two-match ban.
Apart from Afridi, Yousuf and Alam, the PCB inquiry committee led by Bari has also summoned team manager Abdul Raquib for its first hearing.
The committee also includes former Test captain Wasim Akram who has requested the board to appoint Afridi as captain for all three forms of the game despite his ball-tampering indiscretion.
Bari said the committee would speak to all the team officials and players and also get feedback from the media and other independent sources in Australia during the course of its probe.
“The idea behind this probe is to suggest ways to put Pakistan cricket back on the right track,” Bari said. Earlier, Pakistan team coach Intikhab Alam submitted his report regarding the team’s tour of Australia.
He said in the report that a lack of planning was seen in the Pakistan team on the tour.