February 10, 2008	Sunday	Safar 02,1429

LAHORE, Feb 9: Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Dr Nasim Ashraf on Saturday said if Australia did not visit the country in March this year, Pakistan may well ponder cancellation of its tour to Australia in 2009.

“I told the Cricket Australia (CA) delegates in a meeting held in Dubai this week that if Australia can continue playing in England despite bomb blasts, they can also play in Pakistan,” said Dr Ashraf while talking to newsmen.

“We will ensure fool proof security for them, so it will be unfair if the Aussies show double standards for Pakistan.”

“But if they do decide to call off next month’s tour, we also reserve the right to decide about our tour Down Under next year.”

He reiterated that Pakistan will not play the series on neutral venue either.

“We will not play the series in Sharjah because we are not Team Sharjah. We are Team Pakistan and respect the traditions of the game,” Dr Ashraf said while highlighting Pakistan’s stance on the forthcoming tour.

Reacting to controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar’s recent statements regarding PCB’s step-motherly treatment, Dr Ashraf said: “I am sorry to say this, but Shoaib crossed all limits during the recent tour of India where he was unfit most of the time and, on top of that, his off the field activities badly tarnished the image and reputation of Pakistan.”

“Shoaib has lost the confidence of PCB and thus not been given the central contract.”

Shoaib had accused the PCB on Friday of double standards for not picking him against Zimbabwe and for asking him to prove fitness in the Pentangular Cup.

Dr Ashraf said the board had in the past given many opportunities to Akhtar but some of his actions had embarrassed the board and the team.

“We consider him a valuable player which is why he has been given another opportunity in the Pentangular as captain of the Islamabad team to prove himself and win back the board’s confidence,” the PCB chief said.

Dr Ashraf stated that any player who did not want to sign a contract or retainer was free to do so and the board would not force him.

But he made it clear that any player (s) violating their contract terms will face disciplinary action.

Referring to recent statements by leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, Shahid Afridi and Akhtar, Ashraf said players were well aware that any statement that went against the board policies would be dealt with strongly and disciplinary proceedings can be initiated against them.

Afridi has now denied saying there was no unity and team spirit in the team.

Ashraf advised the players to come and talk to board officials if they had any grievances about the central contracts. “They should come to us instead of going to the media.”—Agencies