Shahid Afridi to be sacked post ICC T20 World cup 2016: PCB chief Shaharyar Khan

Flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi will be replaced as Pakistan’s T20 captain after the World T20 in India, PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan announced today, while hinting his days as a player were also numbered.

PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan told reporters in Lahore on his return from Kolkata on Monday that the board and Afridi had a understanding that he would retire after the World Cup.

“He is captain till the World Cup under this understanding and he has said he will retire after the event.  Even if he changes his mind and wants to carry on we will have to see whether he can be picked as a player or not,” Khan said.

He however made it clear that the board didn’t err in appointing Afridi as captain of the national T20 squad last year.

“Afridi is a iconic figure in Pakistan and he has won us matches in the past some on his own. His choice was logical.  It is natural that whenever the team loses a big match there is criticism directed at him. But I think at this he needs the support of everyone,” Khan said.

The PCB chief also confirmed that the board was contemplating changing the coach after the world event.

“We are looking at it. Waqar (Younis)’s contract is until June. I discussed the matter with Wasim Akram and some other senior players and they said whether we appoint a foreigner or have a local coach he should be able to produce best results from the team. Personally I don’t see anything wrong in having a foreign coach as we have done in the past.  And Bob Woolmer was our best coach. I think the players need a cultural shock so we might have a foreign coach or a local coach.”

Khan also dispelled the impression that there was any grouping in the team or the players were demotivated.

“Let me tell you it was a big disappointment that we again lost to India in a World Cup match but there is no grouping in the team and the players are united and motivated as well to do well. Pakistan still has a chance of qualifying for the semi-final as they still have to play New Zealand and Australia and even one win can boost our chances.”

The PCB chief also didn’t see anything wrong in the team inviting former captain Imran Khan for a pep talk before the match in Kolkata.

“I don’t see anything wrong in that. It has got nothing to do with the responsibilities of the team management. Imran is a big name and he came to just tell the players to relax and not take pressure in the big match.”