Pakistan cricket selector Mohammad Ilyas has escaped with a warning for making an unsanctioned public response to retired captain Shahid Afridi's allegations of nepotism. The Pakistan Cricket Board suspended Ilyas earlier this month after the former Test cricketer appeared in a television talkshow without the board's consent.
But a disciplinary committee has recommended the PCB to "issue a warning to Ilyas to exercise caution while dealing with the media in future." The committee also recommended on Wednesday that the PCB lift Ilyas' suspension. Afridi was fined 4.5 million rupees ($52,300) for violating the PCB code of conduct after he criticised selectors and PCB officials when he was removed as ODI captain.
Afridi had claimed Ilyas wanted to select his son-in-law, Imran Farhat, in the national team. Ilyas responded by saying he was not in favour of Afridi's inclusion in the team before the World Cup earlier this year. Afridi was one of the leading bowlers in the tournament and guided Pakistan into the World Cup semi-finals, where it lost to arch-rival India.
Ilyas admitted to the committee that he should have sought permission from the PCB before appearing on the talkshow, but he "felt he had to defend his honour after being subjected to accusations of a personal nature." The committee noted that Ilyas had responded to personal comments but had not criticised the PCB, its management or its policies.
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