Lahore, March 31: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq lambasted the media in a tearful adios to one-day cricket in a press conference held at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday. Inzamam questioned the support he got from the media and Pakistani fans. He also added that Woolmer contributed a lot to the Pak team.
An angry Pakistan skipper said that Pakistan players are scared of losing because of the criticism that comes their way if they perform badly. Sounding caution to the media and fans he added that such behaviour would prevent Pakistan from winning any major tournament in the future.
Observing that Pakistan team needed more support than criticism at this critical juncture Inzamam said, “This is the worst part of Pakistan, people start threatening us after we loose a match and we feel insecure.” Inzamam also hit-back at the media and asked, “Who supported the Pakistan team? If we loose a match or two it doesn’t mean that we aren’t Pakistanis.”
Speaking on the defeat against minnows Ireland he said, “The wicket was tough to bat on because of which there was hardly a difference between two teams.” He added that all the wickets in the Caribbean for this World Cup are poor for batting. He said, “Toss was a decisive factor, team winning the toss was sure to win and the same happened when we lost the toss to Ireland.”
He also went on to say that the media has tarnished the image of the Pakistan team. He said, “When we win matches everything seems to go right and no one objects whereas as soon as we loose a match people come up with hundred things.”
He also cleared all speculations regarding the Pakistan team’s religious activities. He said, “Team did nothing more that praying together. Pakistan team didn’t indulge in any activity that would affect its cricket.”
He came down heavily on critics who questioned the appointment of Mustaq Ahmed as an assistant coach for the World Cup. He said, “Mushtaq was the assistant coach even during the England tour but no one questioned us that time.”
Bureau Report
