PCB gags World Cup squad, only Inzy to field media queries

Lahore, Feb 24 (UNI) In a bid to avoid any major PR disaster during the World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board has banned all players -- except for skipper Inzamam-ul Haq -- from speaking to the media during the mega-event starting next month in the West Indies.

''The board has taken this step as a part of the team's preparations and to create an ideal atmosphere for the players,'' the team's World Cup media manager PJ Mir was quoted by 'The Daily Times' as saying.

Apart from Inzamam, only coach Bob Woolmer and the team manager have been allowed to deal with the media.

''It has its own significance in terms of stopping unhealthy criticism ahead of the World Cup and not to involve the players in unnecessary controversies,'' Mr Mir said.

The media manager said the ban was not an attempt to confront the media but to make sure that the team remains focused on its preparations and avoids getting into any sort of off-field controversy.

Mr Mir also called on the media to come out in support of the players, who have been battling one controversy after another in the run up to the big event.

''It has become a routine to criticise the team members and PCB before such a high profile event. The press should behave in a more professional manner and avoid criticising the players as it affects their performance,'' Mr Mir, who represented Pakistan in five one-day internationals, explained.

He reiterated that pacers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif will have to clear the dope tests before going to the World Cup.

''The PCB chief has directed that nobody can go on the tour if this screening is not done,'' he said.

UNI