Pakistan players under strict vigil: Alam

[sonicboom]

Pakistan players under strict vigil: Alam
IANS, Mar 3, 2011


COLOMBO: Pakistan has taken stringent steps to ensure that its players do not get embroiled in any controversy during the ongoing World Cup.

"We have implemented some really strict rules," Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam said. "The players have been asked to sign documents saying that they can't meet or talk to strangers. We have a strict curfew at the team hotel.

"Players can only bring their wives or kids to hotel rooms. They can't even entertain their closest friends or relatives. There are cameras everywhere. Any suspicious person trying to make contact with the players cannot go unnoticed."

Intikhab said these were precautionary measures and insisted that no player in Pakistan's 15-man party could even think of getting involved in any wrong.

"It's a happy team and it's here to win the World Cup," he said.

Over the years, Pakistan and match-fixing have become pretty synonymous. The country has figured prominently in most corruption scandals that have hit the sport since the 90s.

Former Pakistan captain Salim Malik was banned for life after being found guilty of match-fixing.

More recently, three key players - Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer - were found guilty of 'spot-fixing' and were banned for 10, seven and five years respectively by an independent tribunal set up by the ICC.


Read more: Pakistan players under strict vigil: Alam - The Times of India Pakistan players under strict vigil: Alam - The Times of India