|
|
|
| September 16, 2003 | Tuesday | Rajab 18, 1424 |
Wasim, Waqar rivalry undermined cricket: Mudassar
DUBAI, Sept 15: Former Pakistan opener Mudassar Nazar has claimed that “rivalry” between Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis seriously undermined Pakistan cricket in the 1990s, and left a legacy which continues to haunt the national side to this day.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Mudassar maintained that in-fighting has always been present in Pakistan cricket, but that it became a serious issue in the 1990s.
“I don’t know how or why it happened,” he said. “But I know that subsequent board officials have turned a blind eye to it, even encouraging to stay in power.”
He went on say that personal rivalry had in earlier times strengthened the performances of some players.
“Imran Khan and Javed Miandad were not the best of buddies but they were able to bring the best out of each other on the field.
“This has not been the case between Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. They have not been able to keep their prejudices and dislikes away from the field.
“Sadly, two of its best-ever cricketers have played a part in Pakistan cricket’s decline. In the 1990s Pakistan was on par with the Australian team. I believe it was even more talented than the Australians. But look where it is now.”
Mudassar pointed to Pakistan’s recent dismal showing in the World Cup as proof that the situation was still shambolic. “It wasn’t something that I wasn’t expecting because I knew about the internal bickering in the team.
“The focus of the players had shifted from cricket. A couple of players should have been sacked. But that never happened and the disastrous performance was a consequence of that.”
He accused the administrators of doing nothing to address the problem. “To stay in power, the administrators befriend players and use and manipulate them. They try to keep players happy. So if the players revolt against a coach, who is being tough with them, he is sacked.”
Meanwhile, former Pakistan all-rounder Wasim Akram believes the five-match suspension imposed on Pakistan captain Rashid Latif earlier this month was harsh.
Rashid was banned for five One-day Internationals by ICC match referee Mike Procter after Bangladesh lodged a complaint about a disputed catch during the third day of the third Test in Multan on Sept 5.
“I think what Rashid did was not intentional and the match referee should have taken that into account,” Wasim said on Monday.
“He could have been given a reprimand and a suspended sentence, maybe even a heavy fine. But banning him for five one-dayers is a bit harsh.”
Rashid, who claimed a catch off Yasir’s Ali’s bowling in the Bangladesh second innings to dismiss Alok Kapali for 22, said he had no intention of appealing against Procter’s decision.
The incident was sparked when match umpires Russell Tiffin and Asoka de Silva ruled the batsman out, but television replays showed Rashid had not completed the catch and the ball popped out of his gloves when he fell to the ground.
“I don’t think it has anything to do with nationalities,” he said. “But...there is no consistency in the decisions by match referees.
“They let off one player for one offence and ban another for the same offence.
“The ICC should talk to the players constantly and keep interacting with them to understand how they can improve their system better. Why should a player suffer?”
However Wasim backed the ICC’s elite panel of umpires, saying they were human beings who made honest mistakes that the players would have to accept.—Agencies
|
|
|
|
