According to an official, Razzaq responded with a carefully composed reply following consultation with his legal counsel. Razzaq, dejected at being dropped from the semi-final loss, blamed Hafeez for his exclusion, adding that the captain took an independent decision and ruled over the team management which was in favour of playing him.
Reacting to the all-rounder’s outburst, which is believed to be a serious offence of the code of conduct, the PCB issued a show-cause last week. While Razzaq is not a PCB-contracted player, he was a signatory to the code of conduct for the World Twenty20.
Razzaq apologetic in reply
Meanwhile, Razzaq replied to the notice yesterday in which he admitted his mistake.
“I did not want to create any controversy,” state the excerpts of his reply, according to the official. “My remarks came out of frustration on being dropped which was natural. I don’t have any personal issues with Hafeez. In fact he is a good friend and I will be careful in the future and will not give anyone a chance to complain.”
‘Punishment still hovers’
A PCB official said Razzaq has not escaped punishment despite his apologetic tone.
“The board is yet to review his response,” said the official. “Apology doesn’t guarantee him escaping punishment. His outburst is a serious offence which came at a time when the team suffered a setback and was down due to the semi-final loss. However, the punishment gets reduced in such cases and he may get away with a fine.”
Following the Razzaq saga, the PCB has also issued reminders to all its contracted players to avoid media statements without permission.
Kamran to lead in Hong Kong
With the punishment still hovering over Razzaq’s head, the PCB snubbed the all-rounder from the Hong Kong Super Sixes squad.
Kamran Akmal will lead the seven-man team that also includes Umar Akmal, Awais Zia, Hammad Azam, Yasir Shah, Junaid Khan and Tanvir Ahmed.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 16th, 2012.
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