He phoned me to explain match-fixing remark: Afridi

Pakistan ODI captain Shahid Afridi is still miffed with Interior Minister Rehman Milk for his comments on match-fixing two days before the World Cup semifinal against India and has said the statement was a mistake which should not be repeated.

Afridi criticised Malik after returning to Pakistan with the rest of the team after the 29-run loss to India in the semifinals.

"I think the statement made by (Interior Minister) Rehman Malik, I don't think the timing was right. He telephoned me three or four times and he tried to explain things but I could not understand what he was saying as I was busy with my work. I think he made a mistake and I hope such mistakes aren't made by anyone in future," Afridi said.

Malik caused quite a furore by stating before the match that the team's activities would be watched.

"I gave a warning that there should be no match-fixing. I am keeping a close watch. If any such thing happens, we are going to take action," he had stated.