Afridi backtracks over captaincy comments following PCB's disapproval

Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has made amends over his comments regarding captaincy in an attempt to nip the issue in the bud after they were met with disapproval by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Afridi said in a statement released through the board that he wants to state from the outset that Misbah-ul Haq is the best choice as Pakistan captain for the World Cup, adding that he has always backed the skipper whenever he has played under him.

Afridi said that he backs Misbah just as the skipper had when the all-rounder had the honour to captain the Pakistan side. He was also quick to highlight the difficulty of Misbah's role, stating that he has already had the honour of captaining Pakistan several times, The Express Tribune reported.

Afridi added that it is no bed of roses captaining the Pakistan side and all of them who have captained Pakistan, Misbah included, are fully aware of it.

The all-rounder said that they get nothing more out of it than pride; seldom do they get bouquets, and more often brickbats. He added that he has said this before, and he reiterates, that he shall continue to serve Pakistan cricket and fully support Misbah to the best of his ability.

PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan had claimed that Afridi has come under the scanner for his 'irresponsible statements' after the third ODI against Australia.

Afridi, who was asked to lead the team for the final match as current captain Misbah decided to sit out the dead rubber, had said that whoever would be captain for the 2015 World Cup, either him or Misbah, should be told beforehand that they would be given the responsibility.

The comments did not go down well with the PCB and the team management, who have appointed Misbah as captain until the World Cup. Misbah's decision to drop himself from the final match sparked speculation regarding the captaincy spot and Afridi's statements only served to add fuel to the fire.

Shahryar had said that Afridi was irresponsible in his press conference and they are looking closely at whether he has breached the code of conduct or not, adding that he regrets the all rounder's words because there is a feeling among the public that there is some kind of conspiracy afoot.

Shaharyar reiterated that as far as the PCB is concerned, Misbah is the man who will be leading the line come the World Cup, and added that he has informed all relevant officials about it in no uncertain terms.