Akmal brothers to face disciplinary action

Pakistan vice-captain Kamran Akmal and his brother Umar will face disciplinary action for allegedly violating their central contracts during the controversy that prevailed before the Hobart Test against Australia.

The PCB is unimpressed over Kamran repeatedly insisting that he was playing in Hobart Test despite the team hierarchy flying in reserve wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmad to replace him.

Similarly, Umar is in the firing line for declaring himself unfit for the Test and announced he would not play, which some Pakistani players believe he faked in protest over his brother's sacking.

"We have started a preliminary inquiry and already plan to take action against the two (Kamran and Umar Akmal) for their irresponsible statements when they return from Australia," Fox Sports quoted Ejaz Butt, PCB chairman, as saying.

The development is another kick in the gut for the tourists, who are already reeling from the PCB's decision to remove Mohammad Yousuf as captain after Sunday's game.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed speculation in the Pakistani camp is rife over all-rounder Shahid Afridi being appointed as the new captain.

PCB insiders say Afridi has emerged as the favourite to lead the side as he enjoys the support of his teammates.

"Afridi bhai is the most suitable person for captaincy. He is widely respected as a senior player and is admired for his aggressive style," one of Afridi's team-mates said on condition of anonymity.

"The problem with Yousuf is that he lacks leadership qualities. Afridi, in contrast, is the sort of player who can get the best out of his players. He knows how to command and guide them on the field. I'm sure he can be a good captain," a team official said.