From rxpgnews.com
Wasim Bari denies remarks against Inzamam
By IANS,
Apr 15, 2007 - 2:32:01 PM
Karachi, April 15 - Former Pakistan chairman of selectors Wasim Bari has denied accusing Inzamam-ul-Haq of taking arbitrary decisions as a captain.
'I am extremely disappointed to note that some paragraphs have been attributed to me contrary to what I told the committee. All I can say is that there is no substance or truth to what I said about Inzamam,' Bari was quoted as saying by the Dawn on Sunday.
'I simply told the committee that I've come forward in the interest of Pakistan cricket to give some suggestions. I clearly told them that as selectors we take responsibility for what had happened in the World Cup.'
'But I never ever said that Inzamam undermined the authority of the selection committee during his tenure as the national captain,' the former Test wicketkeeper added.
'Our job was to pick the squad and then hand it over to the team management. Afterwards, it was the responsibility of the captain and coach to select the playing XI. And we never interfered in their matters.'
Bari stressed that the selectors always picked the best available squad of players after getting the inputs of both the captain and coach.
Coming to the World Cup, Bari pointed out that he informed the inquiry committee that the main causes of Pakistan's woeful performance was the failure of batsmen and the lack of planning and strategy.
'This is exactly what I told the committee as contrary to what has appeared in the press. Ijaz Butt - can testify my statement,' said Bari.
Bari also explained that on several occasions differences arose between the selectors and Inzamam.
'There were at least two occasions when we had to face situations where Inzamam differed with our selections. Shabbir Ahmed was sent to South Africa at Inzamam's insistence despite the fact that he was not fit. We opposed that move from the start,' the former chief selector said.
'Further, Inzamam was unwilling to have Shoaib Akhtar flown out to South Africa during the Test series. But we felt that since Umar Gul had broken down, Pakistan needed a strike bowler. And since Shoaib had proved his fitness in the domestic circuit, we felt he was the best choice in the circumstances to join the team in South Africa,' Bari said.
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