The leaked video footage of Pakistan Cricket Board’s investigations showed Afridi questioning the commitment of some of his team-mates, even though he said all the talks about match-fixing is something he too has heard but never found any evidence of.
“Some of the players, once they have made some decent runs with the bat, would think their job is done and would go to field in the deep,” Afridi was shown as speaking.
“There they would be busy chatting with the crowd, ogling at girls and giving autographs. I have identified some players doing that. They just play for themselves,” said Afridi, who was part of the team that lost five ODIs in Australia.
He was also critical of the then coach Intikhab Alam.
“Coach told me to lead the team in the fifth ODI just 40 minutes before the match and put unnecessary pressure to win the toss.
“He said it would be all gloom and doom if we lose the toss. I interrupted him and asked why he was demoralising players even before the toss? Why it would be all gloom and doom even if we just lose the toss?” Afridi asked.
On whether some of his team-mates were involved in match-fixing, Afridi said, “I can say that more than being beaten, we gave away those matches.
“About match-fixing, I too have heard but have no evidence,” said the all-rounder.
Planning to retire?
Meanwhile, Afridi, who has not played a Test since 2006, is planning to retire from the longer version of the game along with fellow all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, according to sources.
Sources said both the players would be meeting Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt next week to convey their decision.
“They are not interested in playing Test matches any longer and just want to concentrate on extending their international careers in the one-day internationals and Twenty20 matches,” a source said.
Both Afridi and Razzaq last played a Test match in 2006.
