| |
 Conflict in Kashmir PCB chairman blasts fans criticism
Posted: Wednesday July 14, 1999 02:25 PM
KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) -- Pakistani cricket chief Khalid Mahmood said his country was still prepared to play India despite the conflict between the neighboring countries over Kashmir. Mahmood, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, also blasted supporters who criticized the team's performance in losing to Australia in the recent World Cup final in England. He said Pakistan would tour Australia next year as planned, when it is also due to take part in a triangular tournament involving India. He said Pakistan would still be ready to play in a one-day series (Sahara Cup) against India in Toronto in September, which was scrapped earlier this month because of border fighting between the two countries. Organizers cancelled the series after several Indian players said cricketing links between the two countries should be severed. "The Pakistan Cricket Board stands by all of its international commitments, and that includes Toronto," Mahmood said after a rowdy news conference where he defended his team against accusations of match-fixing in the lopsided final which Pakistan lost to Australia by eight wickets. "There were a number of reasons for losing after playing so well during the tournament," he said. "Conditions were not very conducive for batting in the morning and if the Pakistan team had bowled first I think the result of the match would have been different," Mahmood said. Pakistan was dismissed for just 132 after it elected to bat first, a target that Australia easily overhauled in 20.1 overs. "Also there was tremendous pressure because there were a number of inexperienced players in the side," he said. Vice-captain Moin Khan, one of the few players not criticized after the tournament, called on the public to support the team. "They should appreciate the team, because after all we are number two in the world right now," he said. Mahmood said he expected the judge conducting an inquiry into alleged match-fixing in Pakistani cricket to finalize his report in a month or two. Australian cricket officials said earlier this month they were looking at other options for the triangular one-day series in January and February, in case the problems over Kashmir prevent India or Pakistan playing each other.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. | |||||||||||||||||
Copyright © 1999 CNN/SI. A Time Warner Company. Terms under which this service is provided to you.
| |||||||||||||||||
