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| April 27, 2003 | Sunday | Safar 24, 1424 |
PCB chief warns Shoaib
KARACHI, April 26: Pakistan’s controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been warned his international career could be over unless he improves his behaviour.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, speaking on Saturday as the selectors prepare to announce the squad for a triangular one-day series in Sri Lanka, said: “Let me make this clear: If Shoaib does not improve his behaviour and general discipline, he has no place in the team.
“His cricket is finished.”
Shoaib, 27, dubbed the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ and who has been recorded bowling at more than 100mph, was dropped from a one-day tournament in Sharjah tournament last month after being reported for irresponsible behaviour and indiscipline.
He was recalled for a training camp before the Sri Lanka tour. The final squad is expected to be announced next week.
Gen Tauqir said there was no place in the Pakistan team for players not willing to give 100 per cent commitment while adhering to strict discipline.
“My message to Shoaib is, regardless of whatever the selectors might think or plan, in my book, if he can’t improve his attitude and become more focused on cricket, his career is over,” he said.
Gen Tauqir said the PCB’s plans to rebuild a new team meant eight senior players, including Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul-Haq, who were dropped after Pakistan failed to progress beyond the first round in the World Cup, would have to prove themselves again.
“The Board and myself have supported Shoaib all along and spent a lot of money on his welfare, even when ICC match officials reported his action,” said Zia. “He was allowed a lot of latitude because we thought he was a genuine match-winner.
“But he let the country down badly in the World Cup.”
Shoaib, who has been reported three times for throwing before it was discovered he has an abnormally flexible elbow, has a long history on clashes with team managers. He has played 25 Tests and 81 one-dayers. He has taken 88 Test wickets at 27.18 apiece.—Reuters
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