Afridi-PCB row is a "Suicide Attack" on Pakistan Cricket says Imran Khan
Pakistan’s iconic former captain Imran Khan has said that the public row between Pakistan Cricket Board management and all-rounder Shahid Afridi was like a “suicide attack” that could sink Pakistan Cricket into deeper turmoil.
“This case is another suicide attack on Pakistan cricket,” said Imran Khan talking to AFP.
“I don’t know why Pakistan cricket keeps inflicting suicide attacks on itself which are damaging for the game in a country already reeling under problems.”
“The reason why Pakistan cricket remains in turmoil is because there is no stability, no institutionalism in decision making and because the head of the board is appointed by the president of Pakistan and is not accountable,” he said.
Imran said that the frequent changes in the captaincy have destabilised the team.
“I still can’t understand how can you change Younis Khan six months after he led Pakistan to the World Twenty20 title,” said Khan. Younis was forced out after a players’ revolt against him in November 2009.
“How can Afridi be replaced a month after leading Pakistan to the semi-final of the 2011 World Cup? A few days ago he was showered with praise and prizes and he had started to stabilise the team.
Afridi publicly criticised coach Waqar Younis for “interfering” in the team’s selection during Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies last month. The PCB subsequently sacked him as captain and appointed Misbah-ul-Haq as the captain.
“A coach’s role is subservient to captain. Cricket is the only game where the captain’s role superior and no coach can take the lead. The PCB should have defined the roles of the captain and the coach,” said Imran.
