Waqar, Mushtaq To Keep Out Of PCB Commitments (13 Feb 1997)

13 February 1997

Waqar, Mushtaq to keep out of PCB commitments

KARACHI, Feb. 12: Pakistan`s problems of raising a winning combination to fulfil off-season commitments compounded when star pacer Waqar Younis and crafty leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmad also expressed their non-availability.

Mushtaq said he was only available till the end of April and after mid-September while Waqar Younis stated he may only be available for the Sharjah Cup and not for a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka.

Last week, Pakistan captain Wasim Akram also pulled out from the PCB commitments as they clashed with the English County season.

Waqar Younis only last year signed a lucrative two-year contract with Glamorgan while Somerset extended Mushtaq`s contract for another three years. 1998 is also a testimonial year of Wasim Akram.

Between May and September, Pakistan is scheduled to take part in India`s Independence quadrangular Cup, August`s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and Singer Cup in Singapore, and September`s Sahara Cup in Canada. "I haven`t talked to Majid Khan but I will most likely miss the tour of Sri Lanka. "This will be my first season with Glamorgan and they want me there before the season start. I had confirmed my arrival there when I had signed the contract last year," Waqar Younis said from Faisalabad. "The management wants me there earlier so that I can adjust with the players and acclimatise with the conditions in Wales," the speedster added.

Mushtaq Ahmad, who claimed 85 wickets in 1993, 95 wickets in 1994 and 47 wickets in seven games in 1995, stated when he had confirmed his arrival in Somerset by the end of April, he was not aware of Pakistan`s commitments during the off-season. "The PCB had not informed us about the assignments. In fact, these tours or events were confirmed late last year but it was too late then. Now we have to abide by the condition which only we had set," Mushtaq said.

Mushtaq said the county had asked about his availability before they had signed him. "You see in 1995, I had to miss half of the season because we were called to join the Pakistan team which to tour Sri Lanka. Somerset badly suffered because of it since they could not sign my replacement because of the strict overseas players restrictions. Now they are ambitious to finish in top three," the little leggie said from Lahore.

Mushtaq said there was little chance that his county will release him if the PCB requested. "I am told that they (Somerset) had informed the PCB about it quite clearly." Mushtaq added he will be informing the PCB about his commitments in writing when he returns to Lahore after the National One-day Championship. "It is a formality which we have to fulfil."

About his fitness, Mushtaq brushed aside apprehensions that he was struggling with a bad back and knee injury. "There is absolutely no truth in the story. "In fact, I am more than cent percent fit and also flying out early Thursday for Rawalpindi to join UBL for the Wills Cup. Today, I trained with Salim Malik and Ijaz Ahmad and believe me it was a very strenuous session. "There is always an injury risk as we are professional cricketers but I am fit at the moment. I am not only physically strong, I am also bowling well."

Waqar was extremely happy with his form and fitness. "I am glad that I ha= ve recovered from what had been a disappointing four or five months. Now I am fit which has helped in regain my rhythm and speed. "My back is now strong enough to hold the pressure. Nevertheless, I have to be careful. Over strain or pressure may still be dangerous," Waqar said.

The speed merchant said he would be flying from Faisalabad to Rawalpindi to take part in the Wills Cup but wasn`t sure if he would be leading the side. "I will very much take part in the one-day tournament and will be looking forward to some good performances," Waqar asserted.

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