Irked Afridi pulls out of Ireland series

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who was considering retirement from ODIs on being sacked as skipper, has pulled out of the two one-day match series against Ireland later this month. Although reports say that the decision was made due to his father’s illness but sources close to the all-rounder stated that since he is not leading the team, he does not want to be part of the team to avoid any further controversy. But the point to ponder is that if he is not skipper he will not play and the PCB will not be taking any action on his self-centred approach.

And if the all-rounder is not feigning to spend more time with his ailing father then he should be kept in the team for another couple of years as a regular player but with close watch not allowing him any bickering in the team. Reports said that Afridi was already depressed due to his shock removal as the captain of Pakistan’s ODI team by the PCB.

The PCB, however, stated that it did not receive any formal permission from the former captain regarding his withdrawal. He further stated that if Afridi decides to pull out of the series no replacement will be made in the touring party. The PCB chairman last week replaced him with senior batsman Misbah-ul-Haq for the Ireland series. Pakistan team will be their opening ODI on May 28 with the second being held on May 30.