'Players termed Inzamam autocratic'

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq was perceived as an "autocrat" by different players of his team, a member of the Performance Evaluation Committee (PEC) that probed Pakistan's failure at the cricket World Cup said.

Various players, who had played with Inzamam, gave their feedback to the PEC about his strict attitude with them and the cricketers' statements had been recorded on audio cassettes, Salahuddin said.

Salahuddin claimed the PEC had no bias against Inzamam.

"We did our efforts honestly and I think that is why the report of the committee has been appreciated by the public," he said.

"Inzamam had become an introvert and autocratic captain, particularly after The Oval fiasco when his refusal to go to the field was overlooked by the then PCB chief Shaharyar M Khan," the report had stated.

Under Inzamam's captaincy, Pakistan failed to get past the first round of the cricket World Cup in the Caribbean after their shock defeat to minnows Ireland.

About Inzamam's future in Test cricket, Salahuddin said the best decision in the interest of Pakistan would be taken.

"To me, Pakistan comes first and not an individual. However, Inzamam will be given a fair chance to prove his match fitness and form to claim a place in the Test side," he said.