LAHORE, 1 April 2007 — Pakistan’s World Cup captain Inzamam ul-Haq publicly apologized to the nation yesterday for the debacle in the West Indies, but said if their angry fans didn’t stop criticizing the national team, it could not win any major tournaments.
“If the media and people keep on criticizing the team, I am sure we can’t win any big tournaments,” Inzamam said.
Pakistan was eliminated from the World Cup after it lost matches against the West Indies and unfancied Ireland. After the defeat against Ireland, the 37-year-old Inzamam retired from one-day cricket and also stepped down as the captain of Test team.
Yesterday, he said he was still fit to play Test matches. “If the selectors give me a chance, I am willing to play Test matches because I think age is no barrier in Pakistan cricket,” Inzamam said. “All I wish is that my Test career ends on a more happier note than my one-day career,” he added.
Inzamam also hit out at the grassy wicket of Jamaica, where his team was bowled out for 132 against Ireland.
“You all must have seen matches (in the World Cup), that wicket (Jamaica) was different and the toss played a crucial role. “It was not a matter of a big or small team, the ball did a lot on that wicket after we lost the toss.”
Inzamam has faced criticism at home since Pakistan’s early exit from the World Cup. People have even burned effigies of the Pakistan captain in his hometown. “Wasn’t I a citizen of Pakistan? (Haven’t) I served this country for 17 years? Is this what I deserved?” an emotionally charged Inzamam said. Inzamam said his team had made good preparations, but like every other Pakistan cricket team fan, he too was disappointed with the results.
“Every time we lose a match, people start maligning the team and start hurling allegations of match-fixing against the team. “I can assure you that there’s no truth at all in such allegations.”
Inzamam said that his team went through a lot of stress after the death of coach Bob Woolmer on March 18.
“It was an unusual situation for all the players because it was no less than a shock to us,” he said.
Inzamam suggested his deputy Younis Khan as the next captain of the team.
“He has even led the side on a number of occasions and I think he should be the captain, but again it all depends on the Pakistan Cricket Board,” Inzamam said.
