Afridi returns to rapturous welcome

KARACHI:

Retired all-rounder Shahid Afridi returned home to a rapturous welcome at Karachi airport with the crowd backing the former captain’s stance against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

With thousands gathering at Jinnah terminal, Afridi was ushered out by security personnel and went home without speaking to either the fans or the gathered media.

Prior to his arrival, billboards and banners were seen in the city, urging the public to welcome the ‘national hero’ at the airport. Afridi arrived from England where he was due to represent Hampshire in the Twenty20 competition, an NOC for which was revoked by the PCB following the all-rounder’s retirement and the harsh words spoken.

Afridi is due to face a PCB disciplinary committee on Wednesday but his lawyer has shown reservation over the ‘closed hearing’, arguing against the transparency of the three-man committee and that the case has already been decided by the board.