Sports

Waqar delighted it’s not Pakistan again

Coach relieved team is having a controversy-free Cup.

Express March 03, 2011

COLOMBO: As match-fixing rumours and accusations doing the rounds in the World Cup begin to intensify, Pakistan coach Waqar Younis was delighted his team was not at the centre of corruption allegations this time.

Sri Lanka’s state television accused the team’s vice-captain Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera of under-performing for financial gains during their defeat to Pakistan. Defending champions Australia were also suspected of foul play after they scored only 28 runs in their first power-play against Zimbabwe.

Even the tied game between India and England raised suspicions as Shane Warne correctly predicted the result hours before the match began.

“I’m glad it’s not Pakistan again,” said Waqar, “It’s great that we’re not the centre of allegations this time.”

Pakistan lost Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir after they were banned from international cricket on charges of spot-fixing. The team also suffered since the spot-fixing scandal first broke out.

Meanwhile, Younis also played down fixing rumours in the ongoing tournament.

“I don’t think the allegations are correct. I feel the event is free of corruption.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2011.

COMMENTS (3)

RizwanTKhan | 13 years ago | Reply I know this is a mere fluke but it should be investigated cause if this prediction was made by any sub-continent individual, ICC would have already started its investigation. So ICC have to show its fairness by looking deep into this matter.

Ayaz F. Farooqi | 13 years ago | Reply I think when there is smoke, there is definitely fire nearby. All these accusation definitely have some weightage, especially the manner in which some of these games have been played. But do not expect the ICC to take any action to eradicate this menace. After all how can you expect a thief to catch a thief.

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