Shahid backs Misbah

Karachi: Shahid Afridi, who is being tipped to replace Misbah-ul Haq as captain of the ODI team for World Cup, has come out in support of his captain.

“Misbah has been leading the side well since the last few years and he has also been our most prolific batsman. I think we all need to support him even if he has had one bad series,” Afridi said.

Moin view

Karachi: Pakistan chief selector and manager Moin Khan said that some hard and difficult decisions need to be taken for the national cricket team before the World Cup early next year.

“ It was the first tour for the new head coach Waqar Younis and his coaching staff and now I think he is in a better position to judge every player himself,” Moin said.

PCB optimistic

Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board is expecting clearance from the Indian government on Friday for visas to be issued to the Lahore Lions team for the Champions League T20.

Pak probe

Karachi: Pakistan on Thursday said it has set up a committee to look into a religious spat between their opener Ahmed Shahzad and Sri Lankan counterpart Tillekaratne Dilshan last month.

“We have also written to Sri Lanka Cricket whether they have any complaint,” a spokesman said.

Craig role

Wellington: Former New Zealand batsman Craig McMillan has been awarded a two-year contract as the national team’s batting coach, NZC said on Thursday. McMillan had served on a temporary basis and the stint has earned him a full-time contract.

CPS verdict

London: The Crown Prosecution Service is likely to give its verdict on the allegations against former New Zealand captain Chris Cairns of perverting the course of justice while winning a libel case against former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, this week.

Afghan coach

Kabul: Former New Zealand coach Andy Moles took charge of the Afghan team on Thursday, replacing Pakistan’s Kabir Khan, who resigned last week citing family reasons.

Phadke stand

Panaji: Controversial Goa Cricket Association president Vinod Phadke ruled out resigning from his post over the alleged 2001 fake ticket scam, and, instead, claimed that the BCCI was firmly behind him.

CAB plans

Calcutta: CAB is mulling conducting seminars later this year to celebrate 150 years of Eden Gardens. “Our plans include inviting the oldest cricketer alive who has played a match at the Eden,” said a senior CAB official.