PCB chief asks Pak team to explain "embarrassing" 140-run defeat against India

Lahore, June 12 : After India's 140-run win over Pakistan in their first encounter in the ongoing tri-series in Bangladesh, PCB chief Dr Nasim Ashraf is learnt to have written a strong worded letter to team captain, coach Geoff Lawson and team manager Talat Ali, raising objections over team selection and the team's overall performance.

The chairman asked the team management to immediately hold a meeting to draw up the strategy for the expected final between Pakistan and India on June 14, and report back within 24 hours.

He said that it was embarrassing to see his side losing by a margin of 140 runs. "Last night's performance against India in which we lost by over 100 runs was embarrassing. It is not a question of losing a match but our overall performance and the lack of resolve and commitment bothered me the most," the Dawn quoted Ashraf as writing in letter.

He added: "I am writing this to you in your capacity as chairman of the touring selection committee with copies to Geoff Lawson and Malik. Please discuss these points today and give us your considered response within the next 24 hours so that timely action can be taken before the next match against India on the 14th which will be the final."

Coming down heavily on wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal, he said his wicket-keeping was pathetic. He said: "Akmal dropped the catch and pretended that he had held on to it. This is unsporting behaviour. I do not want such behaviour from any Pakistani player. Please warn everyone! We ought to be looking at playing another 'keeper'," he added.

Castigating almost all the players for taking the match lightly, he wrote in his letter: "Except for a few on the field, the body language was not competitive. We were smiling and joking as if we were some junior team which was happy just to be given the privilege of playing a top team. This has to stop."

He said he would be flying to Dhaka ahead of the final, most likely to be played between India and Pakistan. "I intend to reach Dhaka on Saturday, Inshallah, at noon time and would like to have a meeting first with you, the captain, the coach and the vice-captain immediately, and then later in the evening a meeting with the full team. Please get back to us by calling me with your decision regarding the spinner, etc. I have full confidence that we can beat India on the 14th if we get our act together, Inshallah. May God be with you all," concluded Dr Nasim Ashraf.

ANI