Pakistan's flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi has denounced Pakistan Cricket Board's initiative to organise a tri-nation one-day series in South Africa during the holy month of Ramadan.
The PCB is trying to organise a series following the deferred Champions Trophy, which was scheduled to be held in Pakistan from September 12.
"I don't think there is any need for the Board to make desperate attempts to organise some cricket in place of the Champions Trophy as it would be Ramadan," Afridi told reporters in Karachi.
"I don't think we need to beg countries to play against us, especially during Ramadhan. I mean we have international cricket coming up later this year and we have a packed calendar in 2009 as well," he added.
Senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf had also withdrawn from the Champions Trophy, saying he wanted to concentrate on his religious duties during Ramadan.
The PCB, however, is still hopeful about organising an international series and said the national team is desperately short of international exposure and the players are also keen to play some matches.
"We have a big gap in our international calendar this year due to the postponement of the Australian tour and the Champions Trophy. We need to give our players ample exposure," a PCB official said.
"If Afridi wants to take a break he should let us know the same. We will only consider those players for selection who are truly committed to the team," another senior PCB official added.
But ironically, during Ramadan most of the top players remain busy as they are very much in demand for special Ramadan Twenty20 cricket tournaments held all over the country where they make guest appearances and sign up for their club and departmental teams.
