The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will look into comments made by stand-in skipper Shahid Afridi, which fuelled speculation about the future of captain Misbah-ul-Haq, board chairman Shaharyar Khan said on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old Misbah had opted to sit out Pakistan’s third one-day international against Australia in Abu Dhabi and all-rounder Afridi was named to lead the side. Afridi’s comments at a news conference gave rise to speculation that he was in line to lead the team during next year’s World Cup and hinted at strife within the team.

“As far as the PCB is concerned, we are supporting Misbah and he is our captain till the World Cup,” Khan said. “The remarks made by Afridi are regretful and unfortunate and perhaps gave the indication of something wrong in the team. We are looking into Afridi’s statement to see whether he has violated his central contract terms and if this is so disciplinary action can be taken against him.”

The 34-year-old Afridi ,said he was ready to lead the team and the board should decide quickly who they wanted as captain in the World Cup. His remarks fuelled speculation that Misbah was put under pressure to step aside for the third ODI.