CricInfo Home
News Home

NEWS FOCUS
Rsa in Pak
NZ in India
Zim in Aus

Domestic
Other Series

Pakistan vice-captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was kicking himself for his unusual dismissal in the game against South Africa Sunday that led to pre-tournament favourites making an early exit from the Morocco Cup.

"I am bitterly disappointed. That was the worst possible way to get out. It is still hurting me from inside because my dismissal proved to be the turning point in the game," Inzamam said.

Inzamam was out hit wicket for the first time in his 11-year career when he lost his balance and dislodged the bail with his right toe against part-timer Justin Ontong after hitting him for a six.

"It was just one of those incidents that one would like to forget as early as possible. But I must admit that it has not been easy to forget it also because Pakistan lost the game and were out of the tournament. As an experienced batsman, you shouldn't make these silly mistakes. But then that's part of the game and I hope I don't make it a habit," Inzamam said. But he believed he was slowing getting back to his full fitness and hoped to be at his best by the ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka.

"I did very little training and practice for this competition because I was recovering from the surgery. Therefore, I was lacking match practice and timing. Now this tournament has helped me to assist myself where I stand and I think I will regain my form by the Champions Trophy," he said.

The 31-year-old admitted that there was pressure on him because he was the most experienced batsman and the team was largely depending on him. But he refused to admit that his form had dipped this year because he had been unable to hold the pressure.

"I think I have handled the pressure well in the past and can still manage that. Yes, I didn't do well in this tournament and let the team down. But I was short of match practice and lacked proper timing. Nevertheless, if you look back at my career, I have always held the innings and the ample example are my runs which I have scored," he defended himself.

"The pressure is to perform consistently as all the competitions that lead to the World Cup are prestigious and vitally important to Pakistan's chances. I know I have a big role to play and just can't remain an ordinary player or a liability. Like everyone, I am determined to regain the World Cup for the country because I know that this maybe my last chance," Inzamam said.

players to sign contracts Meanwhile, two Pakistan players have signed contracts with the International Cricket Council (ICC) while the team management hopes that the remaining boys will submit their documents in the next 24 hours.

Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed said Imran Nazir and Abdul Razzaq returned the contracts Monday evening.

"I don't see any problems players signing the contracts because no one has come to me for any clarity on any of the clauses. I briefed the players in detail and have also checked with our sponsors. There is no conflict," Yawar said.

Yawar said he had checked the list of the sponsors of the two competitions with the personal contracts of the players. He said his players were absolutely safe.

"In fact, I have sent the sponsors names of the cricket bats to the ICC because one of the clauses is that no tobacco is to be promoted. Neither my players have contacts with the tobacco company or any of the rivals of the sponsors of the tournaments," he said.

© Dawn