LAHORE, April 7: Former selector Ehteshamuddin on Saturday denied Pakistan team’s involvement in religious activities while laying out other reasons for team’s debacle in the ongoing World Cup.

Ehtesham, who recorded his statement before the Performance Evaluation Committee (PEC) on Saturday, said: "I remained with the Pakistan team during its last tour to South Africa (Jan-Feb), but I did not see any extra religious activities of the boys except offering of prayers."

Ehtesham, however, shied away from commenting on the statement of media manager P.J. Mir who had stated on Friday that the players were more focused on religious activities instead of cricket in the World Cup.

"I was not with the team in the West Indies, therefore, I can't make any comment on P.J. Mir's statement," said Ehtesham.

"But during my stay in South Africa I travelled with the players from one city to another and there were no prayers offered during the flights," he said.

Pakistan made a surprising exit from the first round of the mega event and also lost its coach Bob Woolmer who died in mysterious circumstances following Pakistan’s shocking defeat at the hands of minnows Ireland.

Contradicting former chief selector Wasim Bari’s statement regarding Inzamam’s interference in the selection matters, Ehtesham said: "It is a wrong perception that Inzamam influenced team selection. Yes, he has been giving opinions as skipper which were accepted at times but rejected on other occasions as well and some times not"

On the surprise selection of Imran Nazir, Ehtesham said it was a gamble by Inzamam and the selectors despite the fact that the opener was making a return to international arena after several years in wilderness.

He criticised wicket-keeper/batsman Kamran Akmal and all-rounder Azhar Mahmood for playing reckless shots at crucial moments in the match against Ireland.

"At that stage both should have played cautiously to complete the quota of 50 overs and set a winning target of 170 or above which did not happen,” he lamented.

Pointing out crucial mistakes in match strategy, Ehtesham said the tour selection committee erred by dropping fast bowler Mohammad Sami for the first match against the West Indies while leaving out leg-spinner Danish Kaneria against Ireland was a blunder.All-rounder Shoaib Malik, who also appeared before PEC on Saturday, refused to divulge any details on his statement. He, however, warned former Test bowler Sarfraz Nawaz to refrain from hurling false accusations at the team regarding match-fixing or he would initiate legal action.

"If Sarfraz has any proof he should come out with it and I am ready to face him, otherwise I will consider taking him to court," he said.

Former opener Mohammad Ilyas also recorded his statement, expressing reservations over team selection for the World Cup.

The committee will meet on Tuesday after a two-day break when former PCB chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia will appear followed by another chairman, Shaharyar M. Khan who is set to record his statement on Wednesday.