(REUTERS) – The row between sacked one-day captain Shahid Afridi and the Pakistan Cricket Board escalated after the all-rounder demanded an independent tribunal should evaluate the disciplinary charges brought against him. While the PCB complained politicians were trying to “interfere” and “influence” the disciplinary proceedings brought against Afridi, the 31-year-old hinted that the three-man committee in place could not make an unbiased judgement as they were all board members.
“I think in all fairness an independent tribunal made up of people from outside the board should be formed to decide who is right or wrong in this dispute,” Afridi told a news conference.
His lawyer Ali Zafar added: “If the hearing is held under this process then I don’t think it makes any sense attending the hearing.”
Afridi has been charged with breaching the PCB’s code of conduct by abruptly announcing his retirement from international cricket last week to the media and making disparaging comments about board officials.
“I didn’t like the way they removed me as captain without even informing me on the telephone or giving any reason. I learnt about it through the media. That is why I also announced my retirement in the media,” Afridi said.
The board reacted by suspending Afridi’s central contract, revoked all ‘no-objection certificates’ issued to him to play in foreign leagues and summoned him for a hearing tomorrow.
“What we don’t understand is he has been penalised without even a hearing being held. We don’t think this is a due process of law being followed by the board,” Zafar added.
The cricketer enjoys considerable political backing and many government officials, including former Prime Minister and leader of the main opposition party Nawaz Sharif, have spoken out to support Afridi in his battle against the PCB.
“A number of political functionaries are interfering in what is essentially an internal disciplinary matter of the PCB,” the board said in a statement.
“It is disappointing that despite (the fact) Afridi has pleaded guilty to the offence, some political functionaries are extending their support with a view to influencing the disciplinary process being followed by PCB,” PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt said.
“It would now appear an attempt by some forces to prevent the Board from implementing the code of conduct and their act may well damage Pakistan cricket.”
Afridi was removed as captain of the one-day team last month before the series against Ireland after he spoke publicly about interference in his work by team management.