Pak players demand removal of PCB director

Pakistan cricket was gripped under yet another controversy after reports from various quarters said that a group of players, led by Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik have demanded removal of Pakistan Cricket Boards Director Cricket Operations, Zakir Khan before the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup.

Lahore, Aug 16 : Pakistan cricket was gripped under yet another controversy after reports from various quarters said that a group of players, led by Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik have demanded removal of Pakistan Cricket Board's Director Cricket Operations, Zakir Khan before the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup.

Coming on the heels of the recent Shoaib Akhtar controversy involving Zakir and other PCB officials, and the furore over the Indian Cricket League, the news of player-PCB row is shocking.

A member of the Pakistan team informed on condition of anonymity that a number of senior players including Younis Khan, Shoaib Akhtar and Abdul Razzaq allegedly called for the ouster of Zakir for his high-handed attitude.

According to sources, the players had made a similar complaint after the first phase of the fitness training camp in Abbottabad, but PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf, sensing the re-emergence of player-power, refused to entertain their protests.

However, Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik denied reports of any fall out between the players and the PCB.

"There is no truth in these reports. I am in Sialkot and I have not received any kind of complaints against Zakir," the Dawn quoted him, as saying.

Meanwhile, sources said that former Test captain Inzamam-ul-Haq also held a detailed meeting with all-rounder Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Yousuf.

Both Razzaq and Yousuf are yet to sign the central contracts despite the expiry of Pakistan Cricket Board deadline of Aug 15 for the same.

Younis Khan, who is currently playing in England has also not met the deadline of signing the central contract.

ANI