Afridi’s ball-tampering puts spotlight on Pakistan
All-rounder Shahid Afridi’s ball-tampering in Australia at the
weekend has revived suspicions against Pakistani bowlers, former players
said Monday.
The 29-year-old, leading Pakistan in the fifth and final one-day
match against Australia in Perth on Sunday, was shown by television
cameras apparently biting the ball on a couple of occasions.
The on-field umpires instantly replaced the ball and along with the
television umpire reported the matter to International Cricket Council
match referee Ranjan Madugalle.
After a hearing Madugalle banned Afridi for two Twenty20 matches.
Afridi later admitted to tampering the ball and apologised for his
action.
“I shouldn’t have done it. It just happened in the heat of the
moment. I was trying to help my bowlers and win a match, one match.
There is no team in the world that doesn’t tamper with the ball. My
methods were wrong.” Afridi’s ban has forced the Pakistan Cricket Board
(PCB) to appoint Shoaib Malik as captain for the Twenty20 match against
Australia in Melbourne Friday.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif felt Afridi’s behaviour was
regrettable.
“Considering the past allegations against Pakistani bowlers, Afridi’s
act was a serious mistake,” Latif told AFP.
“I think he did it innocently and his apology minimised his
punishment.”
Latif, who was part of the 1992 Pakistan team when their pace pair of
Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were accused of ball-tampering, said Afridi
needed to ensure he did not repeat the practice.
KARACHI, AFP |