According to Waheed, he received calls from an unknown local number telling him not to protest against India fielding three players who were not in the original squad and had skipped dope tests. He was threatened of dire consequences in case a protest was lodged.
“As a Muslim, we fear no one but God and we’ll let the Indians play mind games,” Waheed told The Express Tribune. “We’ll give an all-out effort in the final to lift the trophy no matter what happens off the field. The players are all charged up. I can’t say who will win but what I can say is that we’ll put in everything to become champions.”
The question of ineligible players was raised during India’s semi-final win over Iran. Waheed ruled out forfeiting the final in case India fielded those three players but confirmed an official protest will be lodged.
“Pakistan will not leave the ground in a cowardly manner like India did in the Asia Cup. We’ll stay there and fight till the end even if we lose. We can then file an official protest over the matter.”
Pakistan stormed into the final after thrashing last year’s finalists Canada 53-27 in the semi-final. Earlier, Pakistan put a commanding show in group C and beat Sierra Leone 55-12, Scotland 61-21 and Italy 66-20.
“I’ve tried to get my players mentally strong as we need to minimise the crowd factor as much as we can. We can only silence the crowd by putting up a better show at the start which will put India on the back foot and take it from there.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 15th, 2012.
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@Vishnu Dutta: So instead of condemning the people who made threatening calls you're trying to make it sound a problem by Pakistan. No wonder those indians made a threatening call. That's what indians do and your behavior proves it. Atleast the PAkistanis are true sportsmen and won't leave the field when about to lose like you indians did. First you cheat by including three players who did not give dope test and then you blame Pakistan. Kudos to the Pakistani coach for a very principled and honorable stand. Don't leave the field. Fight till the end. And regardless of the outcome lodge a protest once the match is over. That is the civilized way to do it. Congratulations
IOC has banned India ! they are spoiling every sport. Bunch of bookies !
@ Vishu Dutta Reaching the finals itself shows the talent of Pakistan in sports. Just to mention some other recent successes : Pakistan blind cricket team runners-up of world T20, Pakistan Hockey team Bronze Medal in Champions Trophy, Muhammad Asif World's snooker Champion.
@Vishu Dutta and Indians couldn't even tolerate a blind cricketer .. that depicts your society. Before commenting about others try to look at your society first.
Sure you were threatened in India, and make sure you bring religion in the sports.
I thought it was only cricket, but it looks like in all sports pakistan is just all talk but no show.