'Criminals' Pakistan mourns team's World Cup loss Click here for more on this story Posted: Sunday June 20, 1999 02:58 PM   Pakistan captain Wasim Akram (right) hugs Australian skipper Steve Waugh after a disappointing loss in the World Cup final. AP LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) -- In cricket-crazy Pakistan, fans mourned their team's drubbing in the International Cricket Council World Cup final on Sunday in London. Australia won the championship by eight wickets. In his hometown of Lahore, fans burned giant color posters of Pakistan captain Wasim Akram. Scores of young men danced around the flaming pictures shouting "down with Wasim". They also burned pictures of Ijaz Ahmed and condemned the entire Pakistani lineup. Pakistan won the toss at Lord's in London and opted to bat. In the congested Punjab provincial capital of Lahore where a maze of narrow streets wind through tea stalls, stately mosques and ancient Mogul ruins, fans watched with dread as their team's batting side collapsed. Pakistan was all out for 132 in 39 overs. Throughout Pakistan, streets were deserted as people stayed inside to watch their team. "These players aren't heroes, they are criminals," said Humayun Ahmed, a student at Punjab University. Ahmed watched the World Cup final with dozens of students, who were huddled around a single television set in an outdoor restaurant. Several fans had gathered with drums and firecrackers ready to celebrate a victory. When their team lost -- some accused the players of throwing the match. Several Pakistani players, including Akram have been plagued by allegations of betting and game fixing, charges they flatly deny. But Sunday, as the World Cup final wound to a humiliating end for Pakistan, fans resurrected charges of game fixing. Amina Begum, a 62 year old grandmother, condemned the team, accusing them of taking bribes. "We should go to the airport and greet them with eggs and tomatoes," she said. She ripped her colorful bangles from her arm and said "I will give them my bangles. They are not men, they played like women."   Related information Stories Class of McGrath, Warne decisive Australia thrashes Pakistan to win World Cup Multimedia Click here for the latest audio and video Search our site Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI. Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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