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"Wasim Akram has right to go to
courts but I still believe he should not lead Pak team again"
By BIPIN DANI
 Mumbai,
Dec. 15: Efforts are being made at the highest level to re-appoint
Wasim Akram as the captain of the Pakistani team for the forthcoming
World Cup. According to this correspondent's highly placed sources
close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in Lahore, the PCB chief
had sought the legal opinion on the subject of reinstating Akram as
captain and the problems the Board could face.
Wasim Akram, the only bowler having captured more than 400 wickets
in both forms of cricket has'found time now' to challenge Justice
Qayyum's recommendations. There were few allegations recorded
against Wasim Akram. (1) Involvement in attempting to fix the 5th
ODI match against New Zealand at Christchurch (1993-94) (2)
Withdrawl from the World Cup Quarter Final against India in 1996 (3)
Tampering with the batting order in the 1997-Independence Cup in
Lahore and 1997-98 Singer Champions Trophy in Sharjah.
"It is recommended that Wasim Akram be removed from captaincy of the
national team. The captain of the national team should have a
spot-less character and be above suspicion. Wasim Akram seems to be
too sullied to hold that office", Justice Qayyum has recoded in his
verdict.
Even after two years of his judgement, Justice Qayyum's observation
on Wasim Akram is not changed. Speaking to this correspondent over
his cell-phone from Dubai, the former Lahore High Court Judge
stated, "Akram has right to go to courts but my verdict for him is
not changed yet". "Whatever I had stated about him has been in
implementation. I see no reason to overturn (the recommendations)".
Qayyum is now practicing as a lawyer and has gone to Dubai for some
legal cases.
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