Afridi calls for independent probe citing bias by PCB board

The fired Pakistan captain will not attend a board inquiry citing bias in system.

KARACHI // The row between Shahid Afridi, the deposed one-day captain, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) escalated yesterday after the all-rounder demanded an independent tribunal should evaluate the disciplinary charges brought against him.

While the PCB complained politicians were trying to "interfere" and "influence" the disciplinary proceedings brought against Afridi, the 31-year-old hinted that the three-man committee in place could not make an unbiased judgement as they were all board members.

"I think in all fairness an independent tribunal made up of people from outside the board should be formed to decide who is right or wrong in this dispute," Afridi said.

Ali Zafar, his lawyer, added: "If the hearing is held under this process then I don't think it makes any sense attending the hearing."

Afridi has been charged with breaching the PCB's code of conduct by abruptly announcing his retirement from international cricket last week to the media and making disparaging comments about board officials.

"I didn't like the way they removed me as captain without even informing me on the telephone or giving any reasoning. I learnt about it through the media. That is why I also announced my retirement in the media," Afridi said.

Meanwhile, the PCB complained of "political interference" in its disciplinary proceedings.

"It is disappointing that despite [the fact] Afridi has pleaded guilty to the offence, some political functionaries are extending their support with a view to influencing the disciplinary process being followed by the PCB," Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, said.

"It would now appear an attempt by some forces to prevent the board from implementing the code of conduct and their act may well damage Pakistan cricket."

The cricketer enjoys considerable political backing.

Nawaz Sharif the former prime minister and leader of the main opposition party, called Afridi and promised his party would not allow the board to do him any injustice.

Dr Farooq Sattar, of the Mutthaida-e-Qaumi Movement in Afridi's hometown of Karachi, also issued a statement last week criticising the PCB for their treatment of him.

The heads of the national assembly and senate standing committees on sports have also come out in support of Afridi.

Afridi was removed as captain of the one-day team last month before the series against Ireland after he spoke publicly about interference in his work by team management.