Shahid Afridi has been slapped with a hefty fine along with seven other players who are all a part of the Pakistani Cricket Team in Australia for the World Cup.
The fine has been issued following breach of the World Cup Curfew timings imposed by the Pakistan Team Management.
Why was the fine issued?
The team management’s head, Naveed Cheema pointed out that all the defaulting players arrived more than 45 minutes late to the team hotel in Sydney even after strict instructions against all curfew restrictions. These restrictions were imposed on all players in order to keep their fitness and pragmatism in check.
The management also issued a strict warning to the defaulters that any repeat offence will simply de-bar them from playing any match in the tournament. The team’s first match is scheduled to take place on 15th Feb. against sworn arch rivals, India.
Pak Team
How much was the fine worth?
Eight of the Pakistan players, including former captain ShahidAfridi and ace opener Ahmed Shehzad have been fined exactly 300 Australian dollars (US $230) each since these players went out for dinner with friends but came back late, way after the imposed restriction timings allowed.
Pakistan is part of the Group B fixture of the World Cup, which has officially started in Australia and New Zealand. All players have apologized to the management and have promised not to repeat any such offence that can result in a lost match of the world cup.
Fined for curfew breach
History of Offences
Pakistani players have had a dismal history of having off-the-field disciplinary problems. Earlier in 2010, three key players of the team, namely, Mohammad Aamer, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were caught red-handed in a spot-fixing scandal which was planned to throw unnecessary no-balls during the Lord’s Test against England. This offence led to them being banned for about five years by the International Cricket Council.
Pakistan cricket players
Pakistan needs to keep merry-making aside for a while if they plan to go ahead in this world cup; especially beating India in their opening match, which will earn them crucial points in the group stages. Slight mistakes due to poor form and not putting their head into the game will result in a dismal loss and possible elimination from the World Cup.
