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Published 10 Oct, 2006 12:00am

Inzamam not worried about captaincy debate

LAHORE, Oct 9: Inzamam-ul-Haq on Monday dispelled the impression that he was worried about his captaincy, and commented that the only thing that matters now is how the team performs in the Champions Trophy in India.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the newly appointed chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Dr Nasim Ashraf, Inzamam said the conditions were not favourable for Pakistan in the Champions Trophy as players were tense due to the recent crisis in Pakistan cricket.

“Champions Trophy is a tough tournament and the players have to forget everything about the crisis to perform well and bring victory for the country,” he remarked.

“Indeed the morale of the team has been affected due to the recent crisis but I hope they will come out successfully from the aftershocks of the crisis and will concentrate on their performance to deliver their best,” Inzamam said.

He said his advice to the players was that they had to perform in all the matches and for it they had to play with positive frame of mind.

Inzamam said he would continue playing as long as he was fit.

“I will not say that my performance is excellent but it is not so bad,” he said.

About criticism about him by ex-Test cricketers, Inzamam was little worried about them saying he did not bother their comments because those had no weight.

Inzamam said he was a proud that he exonerated the country from the ball tampering charges, levelled in the Oval Test.

“I know the critics were against me on my stand but I stood my ground to ensure that I did not let my country down.

Commenting on the PCB's decision of axing Mushtaq Ahmed, as assistant coach, hours before the team's departure to India, Inzamam said he was unaware about the exact situation but indeed such decision at the eleventh hour hurt the people concerned.

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