KARACHI: The row between sacked one-day captain Shahid Afridi and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) escalated Monday 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 a 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 Wednesday. “What we don't understand is he has been penalized without even a hearing being held. We don't think this is a due process of law being followed by the board,” Zafar added. Kirsten to coach SA Gary Kirsten, who guided India to the Cricket World Cup title two months ago, was named coach of his native South Africa Monday. The 43-year-old former Proteas opening batsman will have the official title of head coach and team director and be assisted by ex-South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald and Eastern Cape Warriors handler Russell Domingo. Kirsten succeeds Corrie van Zyl, whose caretaker role since early last year after Mickey Arthur quit came to an end when New Zealand shocked South Africa in the World Cup quarterfinals. “Obviously I'm delighted and I consider it a major honor and privilege to coach South Africa. After playing for the team for 11 years, it's great to be back with something that has been such a part of my life and back with my people,” he said. A Cricket South Africa media conference also announced that batsman-cum-wicketkeeper AB de Villiers will become one-day and Twenty20 skipper while opening batsman Graeme Smith continues as Test captain.
