PCB's double-standards over fitness of players

Pakistan cricket chief, Lt. Gen Tauqir Zia said Wednesday that both Wasim Akram and wicketkeeper Moin Khan would have to prove their form and fitness if they cherish any hopes of returning to the national team.

Both Akram and Moin were dropped Tuesday from a list of 27 probables announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for a training camp ahead of this month's Bangladesh match of the Asian Test Championship.

"They have to prove themselves in domestic cricket if they want to make a comeback," said the general who did not appear too happy with the "attitude" of some of the senior players. The selectors, headed by Wasim Bari chose wicketkeepers Rashid Latif and Atiq-uz-Zaman leaving out Moin to rue his fate.

Tauqir dismissed the impression that Shoaib Akhtar, who is among the probables, was injured. "He has no fitness problems." Fingers are being raised again over the inclusion of this injury-prone bowler who has spent more time in recent months watching cricket from the dressing room at the cost of PCB's money than actually playing it.

His injuries have cost the board millions but the fatherly PCB officials continue to pamper him hoping that one day he might pay them back in form of taking wickets, the prime duty of a strike bowler.

While Tauqir did not say much about Shoaib, he disclosed that Mohammad Sami and Shabbir Ahmad who are still recovering from injuries have been included in the list of probables so that they could practice with the other players which would help them regain fitness.

Asked if the PCB had now given up its search for a foreign coach following the refusal this week of South African Kepler Wessels, Tauqir said: "We have not given up but will continue our hunt. He did not say who the board was presently pursuing. Australian Darryl Foster, South-Africa born Richard Pybus and Englishman C. Medlycott, have all expressed their inability to take up long-term coaching assignments in Pakistan.

Tauqir said that Sikander Bakht had been appointed coach because he was based in Karachi, the venue for the training camp beginning from Aug 6. "We have no intention of giving him a long term appointment," said the general. Meanwhile, Pakistan batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq has been refused permission to play, reportedly for a World XI in England.

Inzamam, who phoned up Tauqir Wednesday to seek permission, was told that it would be better if he concentrated on playing for Pakistan. He was told by the general that he could not grant him permission with the training camp about to start and the Asian Test Championship looming. Inzamam was to get a purse of 2000 pounds for playing the match.