Former captain Waqar Younis lashed out at allegations of the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption Unit that the Pakistan team could have under-performed in one-day tournaments in Morocco and Kenya in 2001 and attributed the team's failure to purely cricketing reasons.

Waqar, who was Pakistan's captain for both tournaments, said as skipper he could vouch that the team had not performed up to expectations in Morocco and Kenya in August-September 2001 entirely because of cricketing reasons.

"We just did not play well and we lost quite a few close matches. Luck did not favour us. But I know everyone tried hard to win," he was quoted as saying in media reports.

Waqar said he is not surprised about the allegations resurfacing because Pakistan recently lost the one-day series in New Zealand and also a very important series against India is coming up.

"Whenever the team loses a few matches on a trot or an important series is coming up, you hear and read about such allegations about match-fixing. So this is nothing new for me."

He said he had read about the ACU having written to the Pakistan Cricket Board expressing concerns over the team's performance in the two tournaments and also about the activities of some players.

"I can only say if the ACU has any evidence and is convinced any player is involved in corrupt practices, he should be exposed and punished. But simply making allegations or raising suspicions without proof is not fair on the players also."

"Pakistani people are very emotional and it is now customary to hear and read about allegations of match-fixing if the team does not perform to expectations," Waqar said.

The right-arm speedster, who formed one of the most dreaded fast bowling partnerships with Wasim Akram, said he would make himself available for the domestic Quaid-e-Azam Trophy championship beginning from February 8, as he is keen to win his place back in the Pakistan team for the India series.

India is scheduled to play three Tests and five One-Day Internationals during their forthcoming tour in March-April.

"I have not given up hope of playing for Pakistan again, that is for sure," said the former skipper, who was sacked as skipper and also dropped from the side following the team's disappointing show in the World Cup early last year.