Afridi seeks PCB permission to play for Hampshire

KARACHI: Shahid Afridi, who retired from the international arena this week, has sought permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to play for Hampshire this season.

Afridi's contract with the English county was blocked when the PCB initiated disciplinary proceedings against him on Tuesday for violating the terms of his central contract.

Among the measures taken against the former Pakistan one-day captain was the suspension of his central contract.

"We have today received a reply from Shahid Afridi to a show cause notice," a senior board official who declined to be identified told Reuters.

"In it he has pleaded guilty to the charges laid out against him. He has said while he is ready to face any disciplinary proceedings he has requested the board to grant him (permission) to play for Hampshire for the time being."

Afridi, 31, announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday in protest against his removal as captain by the board for the recent one-day series against Ireland.

Copyright Reuters, 2011