April 10, 2007	Tuesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 21, 1428

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window)

LAHORE, April 9: Former Test captain Intikhab Alam blamed wrong selection, lack of discipline, and fitness problems for Pakistan’s poor performance in the on-going World Cup.

Speaking to reporters afte recording his statement before the World Cup Performance Evaluation Committee (PEC) on Monday, Intikhab said the selectors and other officials responsible failed to solve the problem of openers while fitness problems dogged Pakistan team over the last three years.

Shying away from comment on media manager P.J. Mir’s tirade against the team regarding over-indulgence in religious activities Intikhab said Mir’s views could only be verified by team manager Talat Ali.

Talat and a former PCB chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia are set to appear before the committee on Tuesday to record their statements.

Besides Intikhab, wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal and former Test cricketer Shafqat Rana also recorded their statements on Monday.

Kamran dispelled the impression that he was ever forced by anyone for religious preaching during his three to four years association with the team.