Pakistan forfeit match after Afridi injury

Pakistan, who along with the West Indies have already qualified for the semi final stages of the Double Wicket World Championship, had a less than auspicious start to their innings. The Pakistanis lost their wickets regularly thanks to a combination of good bowliing by the West Indians along with excellent support from the fielders.

Pakistan however, were forced to forfeit their match with the West Indies after Shahid Afridi aggravated an injury he seemed to carrying from the previous day. Having already qualified for semi finals, the Pakistanis opted to forfeit the match instead of continuing under Clause 15 of the Playing Conditions which states:

"Injuries/illness to playing pairs: In the opinion of the umpires, in the case of injury/illness to a batsman and him being unable to continue his innings, the remaining balls/overs will be played by his other partner alone, with the help of a runner...."

Scores: Pakistan -23, Extras 0 (Afridi -15, Akram -8, 3.5 overs) Bowling: Hooper four for 16 from two overs, Gayle two for 21 from 1.5 overs)

Wasim Akram speaking during an exclusive interview with Cricinfo, said that "We didn't want to risk him (Afridi) for tomorrow's semi finals. It's not like we were trying to make the semi finals." Akram also lauded the organizers of the Double Wicket World Championship. "I've been to almost every double wicket competition in the world and this is the best private tournament that I have participated in. The facilities are great and the St. Lucian people have been looking after us really well."