Afridi pulls out of Ireland one-dayers

ISLAMABAD, May 25 (AFP): Shahid Afridi, dumped as Pakistan's one-day captain, has withdrawn altogether from two one-day internationals against Ireland for personal reasons, an official said Tuesday. The popular 31-year-old all-rounder was last week replaced by Misbah-ul-Haq despite leading Pakistan to the semi-final of the World Cup and a 3-2 one-day series win over the West Indies. It was seen as apparent punishment by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for Afridi's public criticism of coach Waqar Younis for interfering in team selection on the West Indies tour. Pakistan, who levelled a two-match Test series in the West Indies Monday, reach Ireland Wednesday where they play on May 28 and 30.