Imran, Abbas question Woolmer's commitment to Pak team

Lahore, Feb 26 (UNI) Questioning Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer's commitment towards the team, former captains Imran Khan and Zaheer Abbas said the grossly overpaid South African has done nothing to merit being with Inzamam-ul Haq's men during next month's World Cup.

Speaking in a local TV propramme, the two former captains said Woolmer was not the right person to coach the Pakistan team as he lacked commitment.

''I was the manager of the Pakistan team on the tour to England last year and was thoroughly disappointed at the laid back, unimpressive coaching style of Woolmer,'' Abbas said.

''I think any local coach can do a better, more dedicated job than him because he has nothing new to tell our boys, neither does he have any control over the players,'' he added as he lashed out at Woolmer's tactics.

Imran joined his former teammate in criticising Woolmer and questioned the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to persist with the coach instead of taking the services of a local, who would be better suited to deal with the team.

''Is there any special service that he is providing to our players for that kind of money? If on the eve of the World Cup, the coach is saying that Pakistan batsmen lack mental toughness, he should be taken to task for it because that was just the thing he was employed to do. And even if you talk about fielding, the falling standards are for everyone to see,'' he pointed out.

UNI