Afridi fined Rs 4.5m, but can play abroad

Sacked Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was slapped a hefty fine of 4.5 million rupees by the Pakistan Cricket Board's disciplinary committee after he pleaded guilty of breaching the Code of Conduct at a hearing in Lahore on Thursday.

He was, however, granted a no-objection certificate to play abroad, clearing the way for a stint with Hampshire in the English Twenty20 tournament and Sri Lanka Premier League.

The all-rounder pleaded guilty before a four-member committee to the charges of violating his central contract clauses in unilaterally announcing his retirement and criticising the PCB and its officials.

"The committee unanimously decided to fine him 4.5 million rupees (US $53,000) for various breaches of code of conduct," PCB legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi told reporters.

"The committee recommended his NOCs to play abroad be restored, which the Pakistan Cricket Board has endorsed," he said.

Afridi reacted to the ruling by stating that he is not interested in playing international cricket at the moment.

"Right now I am not thinking about playing international cricket. But I will be going to England to play for Hampshire," he said.

The PCB announced the decisions of the disciplinary committee, headed by Sultan Rana, nearly three hours after the hearing.

Earlier in the day, Afridi had refused to apologise for his alleged violation of the PCB's Code of Conduct, but said that he would accept the verdict of the disciplinary committee.

"I admit I have made mistakes but circumstances forced me to do things. But I have not apologised to the committee," Afridi had told reporters after the hearing.

Rizvi said the entire procedure was according to the PCB Code of Conduct and constitution and Afridi has the right to appeal to an appellate tribunal of independent judges against the disciplinary committee's decision.

"Similarly the Board can also appeal against the decision if it feels the penalties are not severe enough," Rizvi said.

Afridi was charged earlier this month with breaching the PCB Code of Conduct by abruptly announcing his retirement from international cricket to the media and making disparaging comments about Board officials.

He announced his retirement after the PCB removed him as captain for a one-day series against Ireland.

He then filed petition before the Sindh high court challenging the disciplinary proceedings against him and also demanding an independent tribunal to hear his case.

But after meeting with PCB chairman Ijaz butt in Islamabad earlier this week, Afridi changed his mind and withdraw his petition from the high court and agreed to appear before the disciplinary committee.

Afridi was also fined three million rupees by the PCB last year after the Australian tour for tampering with the ball during the fifth ODI at Perth.

He appealed to Butt and the fine was revoked after the PCB chairman said the player had already been punished by the ICC for the offence.