Shahid Afridi likely to be sacked as Pakistan skipper after the World T20

It seems that Pakistan’s loss to India could cost Shahid Afridi his captaincy as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is apparently planning to sack him regardless of the team’s performance in the remainder of the tournament.

“There is clear discontent in the Board about Afridi and his performances and captaincy and even if he decides against retiring after the World T20, the board will not retain him as captain any longer and even his days as a player are ending now,” a Pakistan Cricket Board source said.

“The Board is also privately not happy with the media statements of Afridi and believe it is time to move on,” he said.

According to sources, PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan has indicated even the current selection committee could be dissolved after the World T20.

“No matter whether Pakistan reaches the semi-finals or even wins the title the selection committee headed by Haroon Rasheed is on its way out,” one source confided.

The selectors are facing tough time now. The enquiry committee which set-up to probe the performance of the team in the Asia Cup has expressed its discontent with the selectors.  Chief selector Haroon Rashid and the other selectors Saleem Jaffer, Azhar Khan and Kabir Khan have been questioned separately in one meeting.

“What emerged was that some of the selectors complained Haroon kept them isolated on some key decisions while the chief selector blamed the captain and coach for some of the players selected in recent times,” the source said.

“Initially the plan was to extend Waqar’s contract till the England tour but now this seems unlikely and there is discussion going on about having a foreign coach or a local one,” another source disclosed.

Pakistan’s former test pacer Aaqib Javed who has worked as coach with the national under-19 and A teams and was also the bowling coach with the senior team is tipped to replace Waqar if the PCB does not opt for a foreigner.