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Pakistan plans inquiry after defeat
April 18, 2004 17:22 IST
Last Updated: April 18, 2004 17:22 IST
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will hold an inquiry into the injury suffered by fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar during the third and final Test against India in Rawalpindi, it announced on Sunday. PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said a medical inquiry committee would also probe injuries sustained by other players during the three-match Test series that depleted the Pakistan team.
Pakistan lost the three-match series 2-1, losing the third and final Test by an innings and 131 runs. The defeat gave India its first ever Test series win in Pakistan and their first overseas since 1994.
Pakistan had also lost the five-match one-day series 3-2 after leading 2-1 at one stage.
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Pakistan's capitulation in the third Test and the controversy surrounding the manner in which Akhtar injured himself and did not bowl at all on the third day of the match has led to scathing criticism from the media and former players.
Akhtar injured himself when he fell down in his follow-through on the second day, hurting his wrist and later also complained of a side muscle strain.
But he batted on the fourth day without any apparent discomfort hitting 28 quick runs with two sixes and four boundaries.
Although Shoaib came out with a statement on Saturday saying he had given his best for the team, Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq held him responsible for letting the team down with his attitude.
Khan said members of the medical inquiry committee will be announced later in the week.
"On the completion of the medical committee's report and on receipt of the responses from certain players...(we will) decide on disciplinary action, if any, that is to be taken," Khan said.
The PCB chief said his main concern and regret was the manner in which the Rawalpindi Test was lost without the semblance of a fight.
"I have taken serious notice of this lack of commitment to national honour," Khan said.
"I want to make it crystal clear that any player who is found incapable or unwilling to give 150 per cent for the team morale and national honour, will have no place in the Pakistan team," Khan said.