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“Ijaz Butt was poor during his tenure. If you look at the things that happened in his time it is clear he didn't do a good job. I think he needs to have some rest -- he is in his seventies -- he is an old man.” -File photo
HONG KONG: Talismanic Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi said Thursday the new chairman of the nation’s cricket board gave hope to the embattled cricket side and took a swipe at the “old man” he replaced.
Afridi came out of international retirement last week after banker Zaka Ashraf was appointed chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), replacing Ijaz Butt — a long-time rival of the former one-day captain.
“The new chairman is impressive. He has run a lot of companies, so he knows how to manage people and I hope it will be a good change for Pakistani cricket,” the 31-year-old, nicknamed “Boom Boom” for his attacking batting style, told AFP in Hong Kong.
“Ijaz Butt was poor during his tenure. If you look at the things that happened in his time it is clear he didn’t do a good job. I think he needs to have some rest — he is in his seventies — he is an old man.”
Afridi announced his retirement from international cricket after being dumped as one-day captain following a row over selection with team coach Waqar Younis in May.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), then with Butt at the helm, said Afridi breached a code of conduct by announcing his retirement and levelling allegations against the board.
In response Afridi launched legal proceedings against the PCB, which were reportedly settled out of court.
The affair was the latest in a line of damaging episodes to dog Pakistani cricket, the most serious being allegations of spot-fixing during last year’s England tour which are currently being heard by a London court.
Speaking ahead of the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes event, which starts on Friday, Afridi said the change of leadership at the PCB paved the way for his return.
“I stopped playing because of Ijaz Butt… he has gone, so I am back. I am fit and want to play. The next time I retire will be the last time.”
Afridi also said he hoped the conclusion of a trial relating to spot-fixing allegations, involving internationals Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, would allow the nation to step out of the shadow of the scandal.
“It will be finished in two or three days I think, whatever the outcome it will be an example to our youngsters.
“It’s time to leave the issue (spot-fixing) behind. There is still a lot of cricket in Pakistan to focus on.”
He also urged the PCB to invest in young players and secure the return of international cricket to Pakistan.
The country has not hosted an international tour since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team bus in March 2009, killing eight Pakistanis and wounding seven visiting players and their assistant coach.
“In a few years our rankings can improve if the PCB does the right things to encourage cricket. I am confident we are finally moving in the right direction,” he added.
Afridi will play in an All Star team at this weekend’s Sixes event alongside former Sri Lanka batsman-turned-politician Sanath Jayasuriya and South African legend Herschelle Gibbs.
Boom boom,we loves u
Indeed.
And I'd have one carry the other's bag so they both leave on a one way trip.
Mr. Afridi,let bygones be bygones and only concentrate on your Cricket career,otherwise time will pass you by with a flash Ala Mr.Akhtar.You can not & will not win the war with the establishment,no matter how right you are-which by the way you can not be all the time. Additionally do not take any responsibility in the future,should it come your way-remember the Kitchen is as hot today as it was when the last time you walked away from it.
What a relief that butt is gone.
Senseless as usaual, have no idea what he is talking about, even before butt went afridi has retired from cricket, for rest?
He needs to get matured he is representing Pakistan and not a Mahalla team and i bet he will have problems with someone in next six months he cannot live without it and just for his information what ever the disputes dont insult your elders, one day you will be 70 and it will come back to you too.
kashmir loves afridi.we need afridi to come back.
Indeed and time for Afridi to rest as well.
we all know afridi is a great player.he has given so many victories to pak on his own.so we must support him.
You want to play, then play. But first you need to prove your value. We have enough bowlers. We need batsman. If you can bat, then there a place for you. Nothing personal. Cheers.
In my view, Mr. Afridi should not be included in the team anymore. We have read lot of things he has said about the PCB admn over the year or so. He needs to understand that he is just a player – a good player – he should have concentrated on that. He is setting a bad example to the youngsters. He is a good player but a bad support.
it is good that afridi is back and butt is out…
Thank God!, Why did it take so long for ijaz butt to step down.
pakistan need afridi for better feature
Comments about Ijaz Butt are very harsh taking shots at his
performance and his age. It is a very very low and cheap shot.
you never expect from a gentleman, if he is.