Waqar delighted it’s not Pakistan again

Coach relieved team is having a controversy-free Cup.

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.