Notice to Razzaq on the cards for speaking truth
09 October, 2012
LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to serve notice on all-rounder Abdul Razzaq for speaking "truth" in the media on arrival from Sri Lana over his axing from the semi-finals, it has been learnt.
LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to serve notice on all-rounder Abdul Razzaq for speaking "truth" in the media on arrival from Sri Lana over his axing from the semi-finals, it has been learnt. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will issue show cause notice in couple of days to all-rounder for making contentious remarks after returning from Sri Lanka with the national team, a source in the PCB has confirmed. Skipper Hafeez and Razzaq's expression of only the factual position sparked the "apparent row" and if the PBC has taken stock of the all-rounder comment, it should also hold the skipper accountable for blaming the team management and telling a "lie" in front of media. Razzaq blamed captain Hafeez for his dropping while the latter told reporters that the decision was taken by the team management. Razzaq asked Hafeez to own up his decision and speak the truth, signalling the first sign of discontent within the team. On the other hand, Captain Hafeez appeared "adamant" to accept the defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in the semi-final and dropping of Razzaq from the team. Hafeez blamed the team management for Razzaq ouster from the semi-finals. It is also learnt that before the Super Eight match against India, it was decided in a meeting that if Pakistan win the toss they will bowl first but after winning the toss Hafeez elected to bat first and Pakistan also lost the match. Why PCB is not taking action against Captain Hafeez for breaching code of conduct and telling lie to the media instead of Razzaq who only made his position clear. To complicate the matter further, a tweet was posted on Saturday night on an account credited to the Pakistan captain, in which he derided the remarks of Razzaq and advised him to keep such matters in the dressing room. Although Hafeez has denied posting anything on twitter but he has been also quoted as saying that the truth about selection issues would come out soon and that while he believed no one player was responsible for the team's defeat or victory and he also accepted responsibility for the defeat in the semi-final. Sources said that PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf was clearly not amused with the situation and had asked both Razzaq and Hafeez to meet him in his office, the source confirmed. "The comments made by Razzaq and Hafeez have ignited another controversy in Pakistan cricket and clearly the board chairman wants to snuff this out before it gets worse," the source said. The source said that Razzaq had been asked to explain his contentious remarks to the media and was reminded that as a centrally contracted player he was bound by the code of conduct for all players. No statement over the issue came from Coach Dave Whitmore since returning with the players on Saturday. "The board chairman is also expected to meet with the coach and manager," the source said. Hafeez has been under fire from the media since Pakistan lost to India in the World Twenty20 and has been criticized for taking unilateral decisions while ignoring advice from the team management and selectors. The Pakistan T20 captain has also blamed the media for carrying on a media trial against him and passing unfair judgments on him. Pakistan Cricket Board should treat both the players equally and punish them on their statements if it wants to maintain discipline in the team otherwise the issue may become headache for the board to control players and curb players (power) in the future. Hafeez praised his team's poor show in the world mega event and played a vital role in Pakistan team's ouster from the tournament. He should also be made accountable for the poor show and incapable captaincy skills and decisions-making in the selection of team. End. |
