LAHORE, April 12: Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) has banned cyclists Imran Sharif and Muhammad Saleem for one year for their dismal performance in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne last month.

This decision was taken at a General Council meeting of the PCF held under the chairmanship of senior vice- President, Munawar Baseer on Tuesday night.

“Imran and Saleem have been banned for taking part in all types of cycling activities. They will not be able to take part in international competitions for one year and a six month ban has been imposed for national events,” said Munawar.

Khawaja who accompanied the 2-member team as manager said Imran did not show up for the 167 kilometre road race while Saleem completed three laps of the 14-lap event which showed that they did not take the competition seriously.

“I did not expect that Imran will not be showing up and we are very much disappointed with his attitude whereas Saleem did not complete the event which further added to our disappointment,” he said.

These two cyclists participated in the 40 kilometre time trial and finished 43rd out of 71 nation competition.

Munawar said Canadian coach Otakar Delzezol will be reaching Pakistan on April 21 on a four month coaching assignment.

“The foreign coach will be training the team for the SAF Games and Asian Games and we are optimistic that the team would be able to win SAF Games gold besides giving good results in Asian Games,” he added.

PCF official said the services of the Canadian coach has been hired by PST and PCF.

He said the first leg of the SAF Games camp will be held at Lahore from April 22 and the second phase in Islamabad from May first with 16 male riders and six female cyclists attending.

SAF Games will be held in August in Sri Lanka and Asian Games in December at Doha.—APP