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Never finding itself far from controversy, Pakistan cricket is in a muddle yet again: this time, left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi is the eye of the storm that has been brewing for quite some time now, and that came to light recently.
The 24-year-old has been accused by several in the country's cricket board, PCB, of assuming a far-from-deferential attitude during the recently-concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup in which they crashed out in the group stage.
Afridi was also accused of not taking part in team discussions ahead of crucial games, according to Geo News, which was propounded by a spat that he had with coach Mohammad Yousuf in a training session during the tournament.
Geo News have been reliably informed by a source close to the proceedings that the spat rose from Yousuf telling the lanky seamer to be careful and not bowl too many no-balls during a game given that he had just done so in training.
Afridi allegedly retaliated and told Yousuf to be mindful of his place, mentioning that he be better left to mind his own business, as Yousuf should mind his.
The coaches and team officials have subsequently filed a report to PCB President Mohsin Naqvi about the same.
"Shaheen misbehaved with the coaches and management during recent tours (sic) but no action was taken by the team managers on the pacer's inappropriate behaviour," sources reportedly told Geo News.
"Maintaining discipline in the team was the responsibility of the managers which is why it is being investigated why action was not taken against Shaheen despite misbehaving," the report added.
What kind of disciplinary action will Shaheen Afridi face?
It remains to be seen what sort of disciplinary action Afridi is bound to face if the PCB takes these allegations seriously. One expects him to be dropped from the national team for the series against Bangladesh, which kicks off their home season.
Pakistan are expected to play two Tests against Bangladesh in Shan Masood's leadership, and Afridi may be punished by being excluded from the side when it is reported that even head coach Gary Kirsten resents the attitude Afridi showed towards his staff.
However, some sources have also reported that Afridi's NOC for playing in franchise leagues across the world may get revoked, or he may be sent down from the A-category contract that the PCB has awarded him.
“I will rather suggest revoking Shaheen’s NOC for foreign leagues. His demotion from A category contract is also an option available to the PCB. However, the chairman has the final authority to decide on the matter. He has the power to even pardon the fast bowler,” a source told Geo News.
This was the same source who said that Afridi's spat with Yousuf was mentioned in the report submitted by officials to the PCB president despite the former having apologised for his actions.
“We have to mention all that had happened during the World Cup campaign. It is up to the PCB chairman to decide on the matter,” said an official.
Pakistan's home series against Bangladesh begins on 21 August in Rawalpindi, and it is only after the team is announced for the same that Afridi's fate will be made public to the world.
