March 22, 2007	Thursday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 2, 1428

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window)

KINGSTON, March 21: Manager Pakistan cricket team, Talat Ali on Wednesday said Pakistan's embarrassing ouster from the World Cup and coach Bob Woolmer's death are the saddest, most disappointing moments of his life.

“Like the entire team, I am also under great stress after Pakistan's defeat against Ireland and Bob's sudden demise has doubled our grief and shock,” he told Pakistan media representatives covering the mega event.

“I have no words to describe my feelings,” he said. “I am dejected and disappointed with the performance of the team. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine this result.”

He particularly blamed the Pakistan batsmen for their dismal and pathetic show which led to team's exit from the competition. “Our batsmen let the team badly down,” said Talat, who played 11 Test between 1972 to 1979 besides serving as ICC match referee.

“Defeat against minnow's Irish team was unbelievable and we never expected it,” he said. What ever was the condition of the pitch, our batsmen were experienced enough to perform in all circumstances,” he stressed.

He said the practice facilities at the Kensington Oval were of international standard and “we have no complaints whatsoever regarding that.”

Talat also praised for the arrangements made by ICC and local organizing committee for the extravaganza.

“From traveling to accommodation to transport and practice facilities, everything is extremely well organized and we are well looked after,” he said. —APP