07 January 2005	Friday	25 Ziqa'ad 1425

ISLAMABAD, Jan 6: Pakistan cricket team's gutless performance Down Under has angered and disappointed Federal Sports Minister Muhammad Ajmal Khan.

"I am a Pakistani, I am disappointed and angry," Ajmal said in reply to a question following the National volleyball championship final at the Liaquat Gymnasium on Thursday.

"I think the players are to be blamed for this poor showing and it is wrong to blame the coach and the selectors at this point of time." Pakistan were crushed 3-0 in the Test series, the last nail in the coffin being hammered in at Sydney on Wednesday where the Aussies scored a nine-wicket win.

"When two sides play, one has to lose, but the way our team went down in all the three Tests was very disappointing." Ajmal pointed out that "weak captaincy" was also a factor but defended the selectors. "The players on this team I think were the best available but they just did not click."

He made it clear that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would be questioned on this debacle. Meanwhile, Ajmal disclosed that the National Sports Strategy, had been approved by the cabinet.