Rediff

Centurion, Feb 7: Within days of his return to the Pakistan team, Shahid Afridi finds himself in the eye of storm for allegedly trying to hit a spectator with his bat after being dismissed in the first ODI against South Africa at Centurion.

According to a report in the local daily Beeld, Afridi was caught on camera as he swung his bat at a spectator while returning to the pavillion following his dismissal at 17 in the match on Sunday.

Pakistan lost the match by a 164 runs.

However, no complaint has been lodged against the swashbuckling all-rounder, who was recalled to the side after being out of favour for quite some time.

Cricket South Africa Spokesperson Gordon Templeton, meanwhile, dismissed the report and said Afridi was merely trying to pick up his fallen glove at the dressing room stairs when his bat seemed pointed towards a spectator.

But the TV footage reportedly shows the flamboyant player attacking the fan after being shouted upon by the spectator.

The Pakistan team management refused to comment on the allegations.

Meanwhile CSA gave a big thumbs-up for the well-behaved crowds that attended the match.

CSA CEO Gerald Majola said in a statement: ''There was huge excitement, with minimal unruly behaviour and CSA thanks and congratulates the public for this. Stadia staff also deserves a pat on the back for quickly and firmly dealing with the few incidents of bad behaviour.''