Mudassar reminds players to be extra cautious at Sharjah

Pakistan coach Mudassar Nazar Sunday said he would remind his players to be extra cautious on this month's tour to Sharjah after four cricketers were summoned by the World Cup inquiry commission and in the background that the venue is also under investigation.

"I will have long pep-talks with the players and will once again remind them how cautious they have to be in Sharjah. I don't want any further controversies. We already have plenty which we are dealing with," Mudassar said on the eve of the training camp which starts Monday for the competition beginning Oct 26.

Pakistan captain Waqar Younis, vice-captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and former captains Wasim Akram and Saeed Anwar along with Moin Khan and Saqlain Mushtaq have been summoned for Oct 20 hearing by Justice Karamat Bhindari on the statement of former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief executive Majid Khan.

Moin and Saqlain are not part of the 15-man squad which will test the muscles of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in the double league competition which culminates with the final on Nov 4.

Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the venue of the tournament, which has staged highest number of One-day Internationals, itself is under investigation by International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit. Sharjah is accused to be the den of betting and match-fixing. India has come down hard on Sharjah and has banned its team to play in non-regular venues, including the Sheikhdom, for three years.

"The ICC has already drafted certain laws to combat matchfixing and the players are aware of them. But, additionally we would be more watchful while socializing and inviting individuals to the dressing room and team hotel. "We will leave no stone unturned in staying away from any undue controversy which may affect the performance of the individuals and the team," the former Test opener said.

Mudassar, however, regretted that the four cricketers were summoned when Pakistan were once again preparing for an international assignment. During Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum's inquiry, the cricketers had to appear during the 1998 three-Test series against Australia which eventually cost Pakistan the series 1-0.

"The timing is unfortunate but then we must also realize that the inquiry commission also has a job to do. It may be a bit uncomfortable for the players but if you see in longer term, it would eliminate them (players) from any further inquiries.

"It is about time that these allegations should stop. It is going on for ages and no one has come up with any concrete evidence.

"I would go full distance in backing my players until they are proven guilty. I would support for severe punishment if any player is found guilty with supporting evidence. But at the same time, I would like to see stiffer punishments against those who point fingers but fail to substantiate the allegations," Mudassar said.

The newly-appointed coach said he would have extra sittings with the four players and would try to ease them from tension. "I would discuss with them their individual performances over the years and their match-winning achievements. I would remind them how great cricketers and role models they have been to the country and for the sport. I have to counter their pressure and bring their minds back to cricket.

"Globally, it has become coach's job to lift the spirits of his players as every Test playing team has players who have been linked to corruption in one way or the other." Nevertheless, Mudassar opined that it was entirely upto the individual player how quickly he can come out of this hangover and get focused to cricket.

"It is the test of their mental strength. The four boys are tough characters and have faced these allegations and the court for sometime now. I am confident that they would take life easy and remember that they are great cricketers, though I admit it is difficult to perform when one's integrity in under cloud."

Mudassar said he met skipper Waqar Younis on Saturday and Wasim Akram on Sunday. He said they looked confident though he admitted he didn't talk to them about the Oct 20 hearing. "But naturally, I will talk to them tomorrow when we assemble for the camp."