Pak's cricket team has decided to stand behind Inzy, threatening to pull out of the ODI series against England if he is penalised for ball-tampering.
Pakistan may not play tour game against Middlesex.
LONDON & ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s cricket team has decided to stand behind captain Inzamam-ul Haq, threatening to pull out of the ODI series against England if he is penalised for alleged ball-tampering.
Coach Bob Woolmer said, “I cannot guarantee that my side will definitely play if Inzamam is penalised, and penalised heavily, which he could well be.”
Accused of bringing the game into disrepute, Inzamam could be banned for up to four Tests or eight ODIs by the International Cricket Council when the inquiry panel meets on Friday. The Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed specialist lawyers DLA Piper to represent Inzamam.
Though Pakistan are apparently “preparing as normal” and are due to train in the nets at Lord’s on Wednesday, they may not play against Middlesex at Uxbridge on Thursday as scheduled.
“I have spoken to Inzamam and some players, who are contemplating not playing until the hearing is held,” said manager Zaheer Abbas. “We have not reached any conclusions yet.” Inzamam defended his actions, saying he “slept well on Sunday because he had done the right thing”. Echoing his coach and manager, he warned that the ODI series would be in jeopardy if he were penalised. “It would be difficult for the players to play on if we are labelled cheats,” he said.
Inzamam is likely to urge the ICC to rule the fourth Test match at The Oval, which was awarded to England after the controversy, void.
Meanwhile, newspaper offices in Pakistan have received numerous emails from both India and Pakistan supporting Inzamam. Most South Asian fans see Pakistan as a victim of racism and say the team was punished without warning and without evidence.
Saleem Bokhari, resident editor of The News, quoted an email from Delhi. "A fan named Himanshu has said, ‘the pride of a nation comes first and the game comes later. Inzi rightly chose to protect the honour of his country.’"
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