Pakistan's limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi has played down reports of a rift within the team management involving him and coach Waqar Younis. A day after Afridi was sent a show-cause notice by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for his comments over the differences in team management, the seasoned
all-rounder said that the team and officials should develop "better coordination" for next year's World Twenty20 Championship in Sri Lanka.
Afridi told The News that his team will have to put aside all distractions and shift the focus on reclaiming the World Twenty20 title they had won in 2009.
"I always say everyone should do their own job and it is not appropriate to interfere in the matters of others. I am responsible for my work and the others are responsible for theirs," he told reporters on his return from Guyana on Sunday.
Though Afridi didn't take any names, his statement irked the board, which came out with a statement, saying, "Pakistan Cricket Board has taken notice of the statements made by Mr Shahid Afridi in the media about the differences within the tour management in West Indies."
"It is a violation of the Code of Conduct on part of Mr Afridi and an explanation has been sought from him for the reasons to make such statements publically. PCB will take appropriate action after submission of the tour report at the conclusion of the tour."
In reply, Afridi said that he would give his side of the story to PCB chairman Ijaz Butt when he meets him in Lahore later this week.
"I am hoping to meet the chairman soon to discuss a number of issues, including our preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup," said Afridi.
Afridi played down reports that he is at loggerheads with Waqar, saying that the issue shouldn't be blown out of proportion.
"All issues can be resolved. What the team needs is better coordination and everybody should be ready to play his role to ensure that we give our best in the mega-event," he said.
"The tournament (World T20) is our most important assignment of the future which is why we have to make solid preparations. There is no time to waste because we have to begin right away."
Pakistan lost to Australia in the semifinals of the 2010 event in the Caribbean.
"We have immense talent and I am sure that with proper preparations, we can win the title again," he said.
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