KARACHI: Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema has reacted strongly to reports that players are under surveillance by government officials in the UAE, adding that the team management was unaware of any such development.
According to reports, the federal government has sent officials to monitor the players and their movement during the ongoing series against England to avoid any repeat of the spot-fixing scandal that took place last year, resulting in jail terms for three Pakistan cricketers.
Cheema, however, ruled out the need for surveillance.
“We don’t have any knowledge of it,” Cheema told The Express Tribune. “It’s not true because no one from the government has informed the team management about it.”
Cheema said the players were showing their commitment through sheer hard work and performance on the field.
“The players are playing with honesty. Can’t people see that with the team’s performance? I don’t feel extra monitoring is required by sending special teams. It’s not hard for the management to implement the code of conduct, considering the players are maintaining discipline. Such stories will only disturb the team’s rhythm.”
Meanwhile, fast-bowler Mohammad Talha has been ruled out of the Test series against England in the UAE due to injury.
“Talha developed back problems. When his pain subsides he will return home,” Cheema told AFP, while adding that Pakistan would not be calling in a replacement.
The second Test begins in Abu Dhabi tomorrow.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 24th, 2012.
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This government plays a vital role in letting our team's morale down. They wana make sure everybody is disturbed while playing and team pakistan comes home with no victory. There are already many issues they should be looking at..leave the poor team alone