Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, fined Rs4.5 million on Thursday by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) disciplinary committee for breaching various clauses of the central contract and code of conduct, said while he will pay the fine, he is in no mood to apologise or play international cricket for Pakistan at this moment.
The PCB on the recommendations of the disciplinary committee issued Afridi the NOC only to play for the Hampshire county’s T20 tournament but he will not be able to play anywhere else without the PCB’s permission.
After nearly four-hour hearing, the PCB disciplinary committee head Sultan Rana alongwith Shahid Afridi and Board’s lawyer Taffazul Rizvi appeared before the media to announce the decision.
Looking somewhat dejected and avoiding a lot of media queries, Afridi said: “I think the media has highlighted the issue enough and the entire matter has defamed the country’s name. But it is good that the matter has been resolved in good atmosphere.
“I explained my point of view before the committee and they heard me carefully and the matter has been amicably settled,” Afridi said in his brief statement.
To a question whether he would be available for the national team, Afridi said: “As far as cricket is concern I am not in a mood to play cricket right now.”
But when asked if it means he would not go to England to represent Hampshire, he quickly clarified that he is in no mood to play international cricket for Pakistan, but he will appear for Hampshire.
Earlier, before going to the hearing, Afridi spoke to the media in which he categorically said he would not apologise for his actions while admitting that he did make a mistake by breaching the clauses of the central contract.
“Yes, I breached the clauses of central contract and I admit that was my mistake. But I will not apologise and will explain the circumstances to the committee under which I did that,” he said.
Meanwhile, after the media session Sultan Rana said Afridi was penalised on Thursday for his two actions, which included appearing on the media without permission and criticising the PCB.
“As Afridi has showed regret for his actions and did not contest the case, the committee took a lenient view today and fined him Rs4.5 million,” said Sultan.
When asked if Afridi’s expression of regret tantamounts to an apology, both Sultan Rana and the PCB’s lawyer shied away from any comment.
Sultan, however, added that Afridi was very cooperative during the hearing and all the procedures were completed in a good atmosphere.
He said the committee had only recommended to the PCB to issue him the NOC for Hampshire, but for the rest of international competitions, Afridi will have to contact the PCB again.
“Furthermore, to restore central contract, Afridi would again have to approach the PCB. The central contract will, however, expire on June 30,” clarified Sultan.
The PCB later issued an official announcement from the disciplinary committee, which said the detailed judgement would be announced in next couple of days.
The official statement said: “Shahid Khan Afridi today appeared before the PCB disciplinary committee comprising Sultan Rana (Chairman), Shafiq Ahmed and Usman Wahla (Members) at National Cricket Academy, Lahore. Taffazul Rizvi (Legal Advisor PCB) assisted the Committee.
“Shahid explained his position and clarified his conduct reported in the media recently which resulted in suspension of his central contract and revocation of his NOC. After detailed hearing Shahid Afridi regretted and pleaded guilty and requested the committee to decide the matter. The committee appreciated Shahid Afridi for recognising his indiscretion and is treating the same as a mitigating circumstance.
“For reasons, to be announced later through a detailed order, the committee has recommended to impose a fine of Rs4.5 million for breach of various clauses of the central contract and code of conduct.
“As Shahid Afridi has been awarded penalties, therefore on his request the committee recommended to the PCB that he be issued a NOC for playing for Hampshire. Chairman PCB has endorsed the recommendations of disciplinary committee,” it said
news covered by dawn sports
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