Woolmer set to sue paper

Bob Woolmer © Getty Images

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Bob Woolmer has threatened to take legal action against Karachi-based newspaper 'The Dawn' after it accused the Pakistan cricket coach of making racist remarks against fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.

Quoting unnamed sources, the paper reported on Friday that Woolmer called Akhtar “blacky” in a heated debate during the second Test against South Africa at Port Elizabeth.

Akhtar took 4-36 on the opening day but was unable to continue after picking up an injury, provoking a verbal confrontation with Woolmer, and was subsequently fined $2,500 and sent home.

Woolmer said “I deny calling Shoaib anything or what is attributed in the newspaper.

“I would never do so as a coach and I have already spoken to my solicitors regarding suing the paper.

“Such stories aim at distracting our focus for the World Cup.”

The newspaper alleged the incident occurred in the presence of captain Inzamam-ul Haq and other team players.

“Unless Inzamam and Woolmer tender an apology in public, Shoaib is willing to pull out of Pakistan's squad for the World Cup,” the article claimed.

Meanwhile, Inzamam put his side’s poor showing against South Africa in the recent one-day series to a catalogue of injuries suffered by the tourists.

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Pakistan were comprehensively outplayed by the hosts as they lost the series three games to one, but were missing Akhtar, Umar Gul, Shabbir Ahmed and Mohammed Sami.

“The injury problems to some key players during the South Africa series was the main reason behind Pakistan’s loss in the Test and one-day series,” Inzamam said.

“But with all the players available, Pakistan have the potential to beat any side in the world.

“I think that Pakistan will overcome their shortcomings, especially in the fitness department, before the World Cup.

“The best available team was picked (for the World Cup), anticipating that the injured players will gain fitness in time.

“The leg-spinner Danish Kaneria was picked taking into consideration the nature of the West Indies pitches.”

Inzamam expressed concern over his own batting form in South Africa.

He added: “My performance was poor. I scored only 74 runs in the five one-dayers. I hope to fare better in the World Cup.”

Pakistan assistant coach Mushtaq Ahmed also pointed to Waqar Younis’ absence in South Africa as a major factor.

He said: The performance of the fast bowlers was affected due to the absence of bowling coach Waqar Younis, who was forced to resign before the start of the South African tour after developing some differences with the PCB chief Dr Nasim Ashraf.”