Wasim urges Pakistan to unite for World Cup
Pakistani cricket hero Wasim Akram on Monday urged players, fans and
the media to move on from recent high-profile problems and get behind
the country to win the 2011 World Cup.
“Let’s forget what problems we’ve been going through recently and
with a positive frame of mind support the Pakistan team to win next
year’s World Cup,” Wasim said in a rallying call during a ceremony
unveiling the trophy.
Pakistan has been blighted by a spot-fixing crisis, player
suspensions and poor governance, with one-day captain Shahid Afridi
expressing a lack of confidence in preparations for the mega event.
Three key players - Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer — were
provisionally suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) over
accusations of spot-fixing during the tour to England in the summer.
The trio appear before a ICC code of conduct tribunal in Doha, Qatar
next month and face severe punishment, including lengthy bans.
Key players
Key players Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik have also courted suspicion
and not been cleared by the under fire Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for
recent tours.
Their participation in the February 19-April 2 World Cup looks
uncertain.
Wasim, who finished as the best player of the tournament when
Pakistan won its only World Cup in Australia 18 years ago, acknowledged
the build-up had been far from ideal.
“Problems have certainly hurt the team’s preparations, but Pakistan
is one team which can beat any team in the world on its day,” he said.
“Their resilience is tremendous and they can come out of any worse
situation and win a match,” said Wasim, who played 104 Tests and 352
one-day matches for cricket-mad Pakistan. He praised the team for
showing “great resilience” by winning two of the five matches against
South Africa last month.
“They could do the same in the World Cup provided players, selectors
and the PCB rally behind the captain and play for the country.
Back the captain
“For the sake of Pakistan, every player has to back the captain, play
as a unit, and not only fans, but the media should also back them to
win.” Wasim tipped India as favourites to win the event, to be hosted
jointly by Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan was also to have
been a World Cup host but lost that right over fears about security
after an armed ambush last year on the Sri Lankan team.
“I think for the first time Australia will not be the top favourites,”
said Wasim. LAHORE, AFP
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