Yousuf's 'defensive' captaincy, lack of team discipline blamed for Pak's Oz debacle

Lahore, Feb.13 (ANI): Pakistan team manager Abdul Raquib has blamed defensive captaincy by Mohammed Yousuf and the lack of discipline in the team for the dismal performance in the recent past.

Raquib's report was discussed during the first meeting of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) six-member inquiry committee, which has been constituted to evaluate and probe the reasons behind Pakistan's awful performance against Australia and New Zealand.

All rounder Shahid Afridi, the Akmal brothers-Kamran and Umar and former captain Younis Khan appeared before the committee to record their statements.

Captain Mohammed Yousuf, coach Intikhab Alam, assistant coach Aqib Javed, opener Salman Butt and all rounder Shoaib Malik would appear before the committee on Saturday (today).

"Yousuf, a world class player, failed as captain because of his defensive approach," the report said.

The report also mentioned a heated argument between fast bowlers Umar Gul and Mohammad Aamir during the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington.

"Since Gul is very experienced cricketer, Aamir should not have confronted him in the field. However in my opinion both the players acted in an irresponsible manner. As such I have taken the action and fined one hundred thousand rupees each," Raquib said in his report.

He also asked the probing committee to impose a hefty fine on Umar Akmal for his bad behavior during the tour.

"The committee is requested to assess the entire situation and impose a heavy fine on Akmal so that he can become a lesson to others," The Daily Times quoted the report, as saying.

The young batsman has been accused of giving an interview to the media without the manager's permission before the Hobart Test when he was undergoing examination for an apparent back strain.

Raquib also questioned the appointment of former pacer Waqar Younis' as a bowling coach.

"He (Waqar) is an ex-world class cricketer but in my opinion his induction was unnecessary. Players got confused as to whom to follow. They got divided between the coach and the consultant," he said.

The report also highlighted Pakistan's miserable fielding and batting during the tour, and criticized batsmen, including Yousuf of playing irresponsibly.

"We dropped at least 30 simple catches during the six Test matches played on the two tours. Our players are not mentally tough, they succumb to the pressure easily and batsmen, including Yousuf, got out to reckless shots," the report said. (ANI)