News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 8 years ago
Rediff.com  » Cricket » Waqar slams PCB for leaking his confidential report

Waqar slams PCB for leaking his confidential report

Source: PTI
March 30, 2016 20:23 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

'I can only say what I have written in the report is what I sincerely feel.'

'Cosmetic measures will not bring about any good in Pakistan cricket.'

'Frankly speaking, I am now fed up.'

Shahid Afridi, left, and Waqar Younis during a training session

IMAGE: Shahid Afridi, left, and Waqar Younis during a training session. Photograph: PTI

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has been accused of being non-serious throughout the Asia Cup and World Twenty20 in a report filed by under-fire coach Waqar Younis, who is furious about it being leaked to the media.

Senior batsman Mohammad Hafeez was accused of hiding his knee injury from the team management, as per the report.

According to excerpts from the report, leaked in the media on Wednesday, Waqar said Afridi appeared non-serious and unconcerned about the team's performance in the two events.

He claimed Afridi had regularly missed practice sessions and meetings.

The rift between the head coach and captain is not new, as the two had also clashed during Waqar's first tenure in 2011.

According to Waqar, Hafeez did not inform the team management about the injury which ruled him out of the last two crucial matches against New Zealand and Australia.

The legendary pacer expressed "disappointment" at the report being leaked to the media.

"I am totally disappointed and upset with the way the report has been leaked and I think the Pakistan Cricket Board needs to find out who leaked it and for what purpose," Waqar told PTI from Lahore.

"I can only say what I have written in the report is what I sincerely feel. It is now up to the board to decide what to do. Because I have said before cosmetic measures will not bring about any good in Pakistan cricket," Waqar added.

Waqar talked about the indiscipline and arrogant attitude of players like Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad.

He claimed that he had requested the national selection committee to include Salman Butt in the squad for the Asia Cup and World T20, but chief selector Haroon Rasheed, without consulting him, included Khurrum Manzoor in the side.

He also accused former teammate Moin Khan of promoting the culture of favoritism in the dressing room when he was the chief selector, saying that he even gave gifts to some players and took them out regularly during the 2015 World Cup, which affected the team spirit.

Waqar had publicly begged forgiveness on Tuesday for the team's dismal performance, and Afridi took to social media on Wednesday to apologise to the nation.

Waqar Younis leads the Pakistan team during a training session.

IMAGE: Waqar Younis leads the Pakistan team during a training session. Photograph: Getty Images

Waqar also blasted Pakistan Cricket Board officials for leaking his confidential report and their refusal to meet him at the Gaddafi stadium.

"Is this the way to treat someone. I went to the PCB offices today to meet with Shaharyar Khan (chairman) and Najam Sethi. I wanted to ask them how and why this report was leaked and who is playing this dirty game and trying to paint me as the villain," a visibly upset and angry Waqar said.

"They didn't have the courtesy to even meet me. I was sitting three rooms away from their offices. But they just told me on phone they are busy and can't meet me today," he said.

"The chairman said the same old thing about holding an inquiry into the leakage of the report. Same inquiries and nothing comes off it.

"I want to know the purpose of leaking this report. Specific parts are being aired in the media to defame me and show me as the villain. What I have said in totality is not being shown. I went to the chairman's residence and gave this report and told him to study it in detail. Yet it was leaked," Waqar added.

He said nothing will improve in Pakistan cricket unless sincere steps are taken.

"For years we have seen Pakistan cricket decline and it hurts me a lot. I don't care about my job whether they keep me or not. I would now appeal to the Prime Minister to take serious notice and do something to stop this rot."

He did not mince words while stating that he was fed up with the politics in Pakistan cricket.

"We must bring in an outsider, someone who doesn't have to listen to anyone or take calls and pressure from influential people in team matters," he said, adding he had served Pakistan cricket for years and the Gaddafi stadium was a second home to him.

"But, frankly speaking, I am now fed up. I am trying to do something good for Pakistan cricket and these games are being played with me like always.

"The impression is being given that I have personnel vendettas with someone. That is not the case. The purpose of my report is to help the Board find out the reasons for our decline and halt them. But these hidden hands are now trying to play politics with me and my report."

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan later told the media that he was in a high-level meeting and had told Waqar he would meet him on Thursday.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: PTI© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024