Shoaib Akhtar's bowling action perfect: Imran (13 May 1999)

13 May 1999

Shoaib Akhtar's bowling action perfect: Imran

The Dawn

Karachi, May 11: Former Pakistan Cricket captain Imran Khan on Wednesday said there was nothing wrong with the bowling action of Shoaib Akhtar and apprehensions expressed by certain quarters were "nonsense".

Addressing a news conference here the cricketer-turned politician said that whenever any player makes his mark and proves to be an outstanding cricketer, such psychological weapons are used to bring the player under pressure."

He believed that Pakistan should not even bother to respond to these allegations.

Replying to a question, Imran said that Pakistan was certain to play the semi-final. To yet another question, he said South Africa's Hansie Cronje was the best captain who has kept the team together . Wasim Akram, he said, had also learnt (the skill of captaincy) over the years and had he not been replaced earlier Pakistan would have been a different outfit today.

He also dispelled the impression that there were differences between him and Javed Miandad or that he had anything to do with his exit as coach.

He claimed that he had recommended Miandad as a coach to PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood.

On the role of coach and captain in cricket, Imran said it was a different ball game. It is not hockey or soccer, in cricket captain had a pivotal role.

Imran, who would give comments on the BBC on the matches, said the present schedule of the World Cup is expected to suit England.

Source :: The Dawn (www.dawn.com)