Cheema wants controversy-free series

Pakistan manager to instruct team to play ‘in the right spirit’ against England.

KARACHI:

From blame games to altercations between players, Pakistan’s last series against England in 2010 saw plenty of unwanted controversy.

However, the team’s manager Naveed Akram Cheema has vowed that he will not let similar scenes mar the upcoming fixtures between the two sides, stressing that his players will do their utmost to maintain a cordial and friendly environment during the series.

Pakistan and England are gearing up for a multi-format series in the UAE, with the Test matches starting from January 17. This three-match series will be followed by four One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 fixtures.

The last series between the two teams had seen Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir embroiled in the spot-fixing scandal that took the cricket world by storm. This was followed by the then Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt’s accusation that the hosts had thrown the ODI at The Oval.

The sizzling relationship between the two sides reached boiling point when Pakistan fast-bowler Wahab Riaz and England batsman Jonathan Trott almost came to blows after an exchange of harsh comments following the spot-fixing scandal coming to the fore.

‘Series should be played in the right spirit’

Although Riaz only got involved in the altercation following provocation by Trott, who had taunted him after the fast-bowler was quizzed by the Scotland Yard in connection to the spot-fixing inquiry, Cheema made it clear that he would not be tolerating any misbehaviour from his team.

“I want this series to be played in the right spirit,” Cheema told The Express Tribune. “In the training camp for the tour, we will be instructing our players to maintain their cool and not get provoked in any situation.

“What happened in the last series between the two teams is in the past and I am confident that the upcoming matches will be played in a friendly atmosphere. The players will be asked to show aggression only on the field through their performances and I’ll be asking them to avoid any sledging to ensure a friendly atmosphere.”

The manager went on to say that he was confident that his players will avoid unpleasantness and controversies during the trip.

“The players are showing great professionalism. This team has gelled well to form a match-winning unit, with all the players aiming to play their part.”

Anti-corruption reminder for players

Meanwhile, the manager said that although the players were aware of the need to conform to the International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption rules and code of conduct, they would be reminded of the stipulations during the training camp that will start in Lahore from January 4.

“We will be arranging a few lectures on the sidelines of the short camp. There will be lectures on awareness and a reminder for them on anti-corruption rules and the code of conduct,” added Cheema.

Zaheer Abbas

Pakistan and England have a history of controversies and bad blood. I just hope this time the players and officials approach the series sensibly

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd,  2012.