Code of conduct to be emphasised: Alam

Intikhab Alam confirms code of conduct will be implemented prior to team’s departure to UAE.

LAHORE: Pakistan’s newly-appointed team manager Intikhab Alam has confirmed that the code of conduct for the players would be emphasised and implemented prior to the team’s departure to the UAE with the squad receiving extra briefing relating to the matter.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) had ordered the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take necessary steps in order to improve its functioning and educate players on how to conduct themselves on foreign tours. This act by the PCB serves as the first that the board has taken to ensure a repeat of the England tour does not take place.

“I don’t want to comment on the England tour but I can assure you that a zero-tolerance approach to discipline and the ICC’s code of conduct will be followed in the UAE,” said Alam. “I gave the players an hour-long briefing today over the code of conduct, anti-doping as well as their on and off-field activities.

“I agree that Pakistan’s image has been tarnished but the players have been informed as to what they have to do and what they can’t do. It was mandatory for us to mark a domain for the players which goes into effect from the next series.

Alam also stressed on the importance of effective communication between the players and the team management as well as members of the media and termed a lack of it a major reason behind the England debacle.

“Being a manager, I think communication with the press is very important because speculations will be blown out of proportion because of the lack of communication. If a manager talks to the press in an informative and effective way then I see no reason for things to go wrong.”

Imposition of media gag

While assuring a cordial relationship with the press, Alam added that to prevent contrasting statements leading to uncertainty, players have been barred from talking to the media.

“We have issued strict instructions that no players are to talk to the media. Only the manager, the captain and the coach can do so but apart from them, everyone else is forbidden to talk on policy and cricket matters.”

Code not a new thing

Alam added that the talk of ensuring players adhere to the code of conduct is not a new thing for them as every player, taking part in a series for Pakistan, had to sign one previously too.

“This is a standard practice and it’s mandatory for every player to do so. The players have been given a contract to read and sign  before leaving for the UAE and if the player violates the code of conduct then the PCB is in a position to take strict action.”

The manager confirmed that the first phase of the briefing handed out to the players was completed with the PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt due to deliver the second prior to the team’s departure.

“The measurements come following the ICC’s directives issued earlier. They can be implemented before the 30-day period as they not only exist for Pakistan but the rest of the cricketing world too. I’ve stressed every aspect of the game to all the players in the lectures and conveyed everything to them loud and clear so hopefully we won’t see a repeat of England.”

Yousuf injury not serious

Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf has been advised two days’ rest from the training camp currently underway in Lahore due to a minor side strain on his right leg.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2010.