BIPIN DANIMumbai, March 15: The lawyer, Mohammad Azhar Siddiqui, who has sent a 7-page legal notice to the Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi for showing extra love for India in the recent press-conference believes that it may have been Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pre-planned act.
Speaking exclusively over telephone from Pakistan on Tuesday, the lawyer says, "Afridi's comments are sarcastic at the people of our nation and that have hurtled us a lot and hence this notice was sent".
"Afridi should concentrate more on game rather than trying to be diplomat and politician", he added.
The lawyer has also sought the explanations under which he was made captain despite poor form.
"We are seeking the information under 19-A of Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973 read with Rights of Information & Transparency Act, 2013 that please provide us the details of the meetings in which PCB officials decided to select Mr. Shahid Afridi as Captain Pakistan Cricket Team for the T20 World Cup", the lawyer has said in the notice, a copy of which is in our possession.
"Through this Notice, we are requesting the Board of Director(s)/Governors of PCB to hold a detailed inquiry with reference to preparation of notes and directions of making such statement on behalf of Pakistani Cricket Team or it was the statement of Mr. Shahid Afridi as a Captain of Pakistani Cricket Team. The detailed exchange of notes before above Press Conference may be provided to us", the notice says further.
"Cricket matches between Pakistan and India are always considered to be a soft battle between two Nations. It can be estimated that if, unfortunately Pakistan cricket team lose the match from Indian cricket team then state of violence can be smelled as the nation is very emotionally attached with cricket mania. Consequently the entire responsibility of any lawlessness or the management of PCB would be on shoulders of Mr. Shahid Afridi and Mr. Najam Sethi", the notice says.
Afridi on his part has again spoken on the subject. "Look, I am here not only as a captain of the Pakistan team but representing the entire country. My comments should be taken in a positive manner and not negatively", he said.
However, the lawyer is not convinced. "I have heard what Afridi has said again, but I am still not convinced. His tone was still not soft".
"Mr. Shahid Afridi has exploited the sentiments of Million of Pakistani Citizens and made them disappointed, so, PCB may kindly restrain Shahid Afridi from heading the Pakistani Cricket and playing cricket in the future and he shall be officially directed not to make any such statements", the notice, also sent to the PCB, says.
"Afridi must seek heartiest apologies and show regrets to the Pakistani Nation over the controversial statements given by him in a planted Press Conference, so that the Nation and specially Cricket Lovers can feel a sigh of satisfaction in Pakistan within a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of issuance of this notice, otherwise we shall be constrained to take all steps including but not limited to filing of suit(s), Writ(s) and as well as registration of case in view of the provisions of relevant law for the time being in force", the letter says in the end.