July 01, 2008	Tuesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 26, 1429

KARACHI, June 30: Former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam on Monday lashed out at Majid Khan, saying his recent criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its functioning was “uncalled for and unpleasant.”

“At a time when Pakistan is staging the Asia Cup and trying their level best to convince the world that they are able to host the ICC Champions Trophy, Majid’s statement is uncalled for and shows him in poor light,” said Intikhab.

“I am surprised at the way Majid came out and criticised the board,” added Intikhab, also a member of PCB’s governing board.

Earlier this week, Majid held a surprising press conference in Lahore, accusing the PCB of malfunctioning and misappropriation.

Intikhab insisted Majid, himself a former PCB official, must think about Pakistan’s image at the international level.

“When delegates of various countries and teams are here, one should not level such accusations. It not only puts Pakistan cricket in bad light but also affects Majid’s standing,” said Intikhab, manager-cum-coach of Pakistan when they won their only World Cup title in 1992.

Intikhab further said that the PCB has successfully staged the Asia Cup which shows their functioning.

Majid also accused Pakistan selectors of bias.

“The selection committee is working under a process and it’s uncalled for to criticise its function,” Intikhab stated.

He also lamented the incident involving Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson on Sunday night in Karachi.

“I felt bad on hearing the incident. A man of Lawson’s calibre should not have done that. You don’t expect such a thing from a coach. Pakistani media is working in a proper manner and tell facts, so his behaviour was unacceptable.”—APP