Shoaib's ouster: a relief for Pakistan team

Lahore, Sep 11 (UNI) Players and officials in the Pakistan cricket team are a relieved lot after temperamental fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was recalled by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for hitting fellow paceman Mohammad Asif with a bat during a practice session in South Africa.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Nasim Ashraf said, ''I've talked to some of the players and officials and they all feel relieved.'' ''They feel that a huge burden has been lifted off their shoulders,'' he added.

However, he said the recall of Pakistan pace spearhead won't affect the team's performance in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup starting today.

''It was an unfortunate incident, there is no doubt about it.'' ''But it hasn't dented our team's confidence at all. All the players are fully motivated and are looking forward to winning the Twenty20 World Cup,'' he was quoted as saying by 'The News'.

Overrulling the recommendation by team manager Talat Ali to ban Shoaib for five One-day International matches, the PCB decided to impose a ban for an 'indefinite period' on the 'Rawalpindi Express' and Ashraf said the further action will be taken only after a thorough inquiry by the PCB's internal disciplinary committee after the team returns from South Africa.

He rejected reports as baseless that Board's Chief Operating Officer Shafqat Naghmi was rushed to South Africa to start an investigation against Shoaib.

''There is no truth in it. We have said that the inquiry will start after the tournament. Shafqat Naghmi has just gone to South Africa to attend an ICC meeting,'' he clarified.

The PCB chief also rubbished reports that the Board will ask the authorities to put Shoaib on the Exit Control List.

''I believe some elements with vested interest are trying to make use of the situation. They are spreading such baseless rumours. All I can say is any further action against Shoaib will only be taken after an inquiry,'' he said.

Pakistan will play its first match of the World Cup against Scotland tomorrow before taking on their arch-rivals India on September 14.

UNI