Wasim calls for major surgery for Pakistan cricket

Former Pakistan players expressed dismay yesterday at Shahid Afridi's decision to quit international cricket, even though officials said the "doors are open" for his return.

The former captain, Rashid Latif, urged the government to resolve the problem of the national team losing top players after Afridi, who was stripped of the one-day captaincy after a spat with authorities, said he would retire.

"His decision to retire, after people like Younus Khan and Mohammad Yousuf left, should be treated as a serious issue, and I demand the Pakistan government to form a committee and solve this," Latif said.

Wasim Akram, the former captain under whom Afridi developed in the 1990s, said Pakistan had become a standing joke in cricket circles.

"It is sad and will hurt Pakistan cricket badly," Wasim said. "Just last month, Afridi was showered with praise after he took Pakistan to the World Cup 2011 semi-final, [and] given cash awards, and suddenly this happened.

"Wherever I go people ask me 'What's happening in Pakistan cricket'? They laugh at us, and I am left embarrassed.

"I think even the best doctors do not have a treatment for Pakistan cricket."