Cricket: ‘Laziness, queries led to fixing accusations’

Kaneria demands apology from KCCA after Zebras’ T20 loss questioned.

KARACHI: Laziness and post-match queries was what ‘convinced’ Karachi Zebras’ manager that his senior players – including captain Hasan Raza and former captain Danish Kaneria – were involved in wrongdoings in the team’s must-win match against Peshawar Panthers in the Super Eight T20 Cup.

Manager Saeed Jabbar was asked to prepare a report by the Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA) following Zebras’ elimination from the contest.

“The body language of some players was very bad throughout the match and they hardly made an effort,” Jabbar told The Express Tribune. “After our loss, selectors and other people approached me and asked how can such a big team lose like that. We don’t have any evidence against anyone and I only suggested we set up an inquiry to clear things out.”

When asked if the repercussions of such grave allegations could ruin a player’s career, Jabbar said that some should not be playing Twenty20 cricket and several KCCA officials wanted to get rid of them due to the question marks over their commitment and ability.

Kaneria demands apology from KCCA

Meanwhile, Kaneria blasted Jabbar’s care-free approach to the matter. “Jabbar brought medicines for me before the match and knew I was unfit,” said Kaneria. “I want an official apology from the KCCA if this turns out to be baseless. If this was any other country, I would’ve dragged them to court.”

Raza was also annoyed by the association’s attitude who went ahead with the allegations without speaking to the captain. “I’m the captain and they should’ve asked me whether we failed in batting or bowling,” said Raza. “This drama has led to differences in the team and the KCCA is solely responsible.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th, 2012.