Akram dropped on fitness grounds (22 Jan 1998)

22 January 1998

Akram dropped on fitness grounds

By Samiul Hasan

KARACHI, Jan 21: Wasim Akram, Pakistan's second most effective bowler after Imran Khan, has been dropped on fitness grounds and not because of reasons other than his cricketing abilities, the chief executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Majid Khan, said late Wednesday evening. "He was not considered for selection because he is unfit," Majid told Dawn from his Lahore residence.

"His involvement in match-fixing and betting is media speculation. The cricket board is not taking the stories seriously," Majid Khan said. Asked if the board would accept Akram's plea for constituting a high level committee to probe in the match-fixing and betting affair and help the pacer clear off his name, Majid said it was his opinion. "We are very clear in our minds that he has been left out on fitness grounds." Majid admitted that Akram played a game to prove his fitness but argued that he didn't complete that match. "He didn't bowl in the second innings because he injured his right hamstring."

Akram bagged two wickets for 29 runs in 15 overs and scored 59 runs in PIA's four-wicket win over Allied Bank in a Patron's Trophy match. Asked if Akram would be flown to South Africa for the triangular series, Majid replied in the negative saying: "The selectors didn't consider because he was unfit. Therefore, the policy remains for the one-dayers as well.

"He will not tour South Africa because of fitness reasons," he clarified.

However, Majid confirmed that there would be changes in the team for the second leg of the African safari when Pakistan engage in one-day internationals against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and South Africa. "The selectors will recommend us whatever changes were necessary for the limited overs internationals."

Asked specifically if Akram's career has come to a grinding halt, Majid replied: "I can't answer the question."

When pointed out that two naughty boys of Pakistan cricket were appointed captain and vice-captain, Majid said they were no more `bad boys of Pakistan cricket.'

"It is history now. Today they realise how important they are to the Pakistan team. We didn't have a sitting with them but over a period of time, they realised their mistakes and as an institution, it's our job to take care of their and team's interests."

On the continuation of Haroon Rasheed as coach, Majid Khan said if the former star has retained his job he must have the blessings of the Council members.

Commenting on the forthcoming tour of Africa, Majid Khan said: "We don't have high expectations. All will depend how quickly the players adjust to the conditions there."

When further investigations were carried out and a couple of Council members were contacted, they said the meeting was overall a constructive one.

"As always, there were a couple of points on which lengthy debates were held like the inclusion of Wasim Akram, appointment of Asad Aziz as manager etc. The meeting proceeded smoothly with every member expressing his point of view."

A Council member, requesting anonymity, said a resolution was unanimously approved in which it was decided that in future, no approval of team or captain or manager will be taken on telephone. "For these issues, a proper Council meeting will be summoned."

It was also decided by the Council to appoint a new Under-19 Selection Committee. The three-member panel is: Maazullah Khan, Abdul Raqib and Azhar Khan. The Chairman of the Committee will be announced later on, the councillor added.

It was also decided by the councillors that another meeting will be called after Eid-u-Fitr in which a new Selection Committee will be constituted. "Since Salim Altaf (a PIA employee) has been transferred to Frankfurt and the Council not satisfied with the working of the selection committee, a new panel will be finalised next month."

The Councillor said two changes were made in the team that was submitted by the selectors. "We forced the inclusion of Waqar Younis and Mohammad Akram to add more strength to the bowling while the selectors had included Shahid Nazir and Fazl-i-Akbar."

Source:: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)