Breaking News - Afridi banned for 1 Test and 2 ODIs

[Maranello]

A news alert on local TV suggests that Afridi has been banned for two Tests* - let's see if this is corroborated by other sources or not.


*EDIT: This was contradicted by later reports

[Zainub]

2 tests, I see. Hopefully we can win this test one so at least it wouldn't affect our chances of winning the series.

[Captain]

I haven't heard anything yet, but please keep us posted.

[Maranello]

A different local TV station has a different take on the story, according to which an application for a ban of 1 Test and 2 ODIs has been ssent to the ICC governing Council. I imagine all this is still pretty much "in the air" and hence informed and ill-informed speculation is rife on the 24 hour news networks.

Interesting that Cricinfo has not posted the daily verdicts by Andrew Miller and Osman Samiuddin; IIRC normally they are up by 1300 GMT (when play finishes at 1130), whereas its 1630 now. I imagine all the journalists are busy finding out what is happening!

Afridi was apparently addressing a press conference where he is reported to have said that he never knew what made him commit this mistake and he was truly sorry for it. Zainub, did you see the interview/press conference?

[Zainub]

My cable operators electric supply has gone awol [ ] and hence my TV connections temporarily disrupted, however I can confirm that press confrences of this sort are rarely televised live. I'll keep you posted though, just in case.

[greg]

Been announced on radio here that Afridi has been banned for 1 test match and 2 odi's for a grade 3 offence.Whatever that means.

[Maranello]

I think that's about the right length. I hope Afridi is duly contrite and understands the gravity of what he attempted; no amount of provocation from the oppostion justifies his act.

I am happy that the ban has been announced so promptly, now hopefully we can all move on from this incident over the next three days of this Test and the remaining Test.

[Occasional Fan]

Who's got that, Greg? Not on the BBC or Cricinfo websites yet.

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

Its on the beeb ticker but no details yet. Glad its been sorted out quickly, a ban that is stiff but not ridiculously so.

[Occasional Fan]

Here is the BBC link. The ban will take effect for the third test and the first two ODIs, all of which are in Lahore. Afridi has 24 hours to lodge an appeal should he so wish.

Sad stuff, frankly, and hopefully we can talk about cricket tomorrow.