Pakistan Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi found himself in the middle of a storm by admonishing a television reporter during a press conference after his captaincy credentials were questioned.
Afridi, who is currently training with the Pakistan side at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, was talking to reporters about the teams plans for the 2016 World T20 in March, when a question by a reporter ticked off the outspoken all-rounder.
“Your record has not been as impressive as previous Pakistan T20 captains, do you think there is a need to change the way you are leading the side,” the reporter asked.
Responding to the question, Afridi smiled before letting loose.
“I expected you to ask a pathetic question,” he said.
Afridi’s response triggered a small protest by the media outside stadium, with reporters demanding an apology.
The 35-year-old has a record of being frank in his views, something which has led to him being sanctioned in the past.
In 2011, he termed outgoing Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt an “old man who needed to rest.”
“Ijaz Butt was poor during his tenure. If you look at the things that happened in his time it is clear he didn't do a good job. I think he needs to have some rest -- he is in his seventies -- he is an old man.”
