SHAHID AFRIDI FACING BAN AHEAD OF WORLD CUP 2007

Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi's World Cup plans may be severely disrupted if he is found guilty of an International Cricket Council charge for brandishing his bat at a spectator.

The mercurial Afridi could face a ban of between four and eight one-day internationals or two and four Tests under the ICC's code of conduct for his behaviour in Sunday's limited-overs match against South Africa at Centurion.

The ICC confirmed the level three charge, relating to "conduct unbecoming ... which could bring (players or officials) or the game of cricket into disrepute".

As Afridi walked up a set of stairs towards the dressing room following his dismissal against the Proteas, a spectator is thought to have passed comment.

Afridi reacted by appearing to push his bat at the person in an aggressive manner, causing the spectator to take evasive action.

The hearing, to be conducted by ICC match referee Chris Broad, will take place as soon as possible - and Afridi remains available to play for his country until judgment and sentence are passed.

He will have the right to an appeal against the charge, laid by ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed after he had studied video footage of the incident.

 

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