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| February 15, 2003 | Saturday | Zul Hijjah 13, 1423 |
Preferential attitude upsets players
JOHANNESBURG, Feb 14: All is not well with the Pakistan cricket team here and the body language of several players tells the story that they are not happy with the special treatment being accorded to the controversial and incorrigible fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.
Although no one has come out and complained openly due to fear of fine and possible ban, it is no secret that majority of Shoaib’s colleagues are displeased with the manner in which the pace bowler is being pampered by the tour management.
Amongst the complaints are that another doctor has been specially flown here on Shoaib’s demand, although a doctor and physiotherapist are already attached with the party.
Besides there are a different set of rules for Shoaib, and another for the rest of the team members.
Curfew is not applicable to the pacer, who one day gets injured and is fit the very next day. He is also allowed time off without any rhyme or reason and the tour management committee looks the other way about his extra-curricular activities.
Also there has been lot of resentment about Waqar Younis’ handling and decisions taken by the team management during the Australian match. Opting to field is one which rankles everyone the most.
The decision to omit Saqlain Mushtaq is yet another decision which defies logic. Waqar’s field placing and bowling changes have also not gone down well with his teammates.
The players also appear to be disenchanted with the number of officials tagging along with the team as one put it “there are too many generals but few soldiers”.
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