March 02, 2007	Friday	Safar 12, 1428

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LAHORE, March 1: Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad has lashed out at the PCB for creating a mess with its late decision on Thursday of ruling out key fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif from the World Cup squad.

Talking to Dawn on Thursday, Miandad one of the greatest players ever to have played for Pakistan, said a lot of confusion was created over the finalisation of the Pakistan team for the mega event and he had the right to ask the board who was real culprit behind the mess.

"The uncertainty on the eve of the world’s biggest cricket extravaganza depicts how the PCB, the team management and the selectors have been dealing with such a serious issue – in the most non-serious manner and attitude," he lamented.

"It seems the selectors had picked up an unfit Shoaib and Asif without having clear reports about the possibility of their fitness before the Cup,” said Miandad. “This has now resulted in dampening Pakistan spirits ahead of such a crucial tournament.”

"The whole exercise shows we have no clear vision about our strategy for the World Cup which should have been devised two years ago," Miandad remarked. "The well paid foreign experts including coach, trainer and physio were hired for this mega event three years ago but sadly on the big day it proved that our coach has no strategy while Shoaib and Asif have been forced to get their treatment in London despite the presence of a high-profile trainer and physio here," he pointed out.

The former middle-order batsman also expressed amazement on the fact that the PCB’s own medical commission was never been consulted over the fitness problems of Shoaib and Asif.

Miandad also blamed the selectors for overlooking talented pacer Shahid Nazir in the squad after injuries to key bowlers had paved way for his selection.

He said the nation was, indeed, disappointed over the prevailing situation and he could only pray to the Almighty for Pakistan’s success against such heavy odds in the World Cup. "Since it is my country’s team I have all my prayers for it,” he said.

Miandad, however, avoided commenting on Pakistan’s chances in the World Cup but said the batsmen would have to play a huge role to have any realistic chance of victory. "The batsmen have to set a fighting total for the bowlers and Inzamam, Yousuf and Younis Khan should play an effective role and should guide others to also perform well," he said.