Two Pakistani academy players under scanner for discipilinary breach

Lahore, Sep 27 (UNI) Off-field problems continued to haunt the cricket in strife-torn nation as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today confirmed that the two academy players are under investigation for a discipilinary breach in Kenya.

''The tour management has started an inquiry against opener Ahmed Shahzad and allrounder Anwar Ali, that the duo broke the night-time curfew and partied at a local nightclub till late on Thursday night in Nairobi. The two were spotted at the New Florida- a popular Nairobi disco at about 0100 hrs in the morning in spite of the fact that the team management claims to have imposed a strict night-time curfew,'' the team management told cricketnirvana.com.

The duo Shahzad and Anwar were spotted by a few Pakistani journalists at New Florida, a well-known disco which the locals fondly call as the 'Mad House'.

Shahzad is a promising cricketer, seen as a future opener for Pakistan. However, his off-field behaviour was not up to the mark and have been accused of indiscipline several times.

Anwar, who jolted India Juniors in the final of the 2006 Junior World Cup in Colombo, has lost track since his action was changed by former pace bowler Aaqib Javed.

Team manager Haroon Rashid stated that he was shocked to hear the incident and also asserted that these conducts are shamefull.

''Such conduct from the Academy players was unacceptable and the team management will take strict action against the players if they are found guilty. I'm really shocked to know that they were partying so late in the night,'' Haroon said.

Incidentally, Haroon was also the coach of the Pakistan team when off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq and fast bowler Mohammad Akram were robbed and beaten when on a night-out at Johannesburg on their tour of South Africa in 1998.

Haroon said strict action will be taken against the offenders.

''We are very very strict when it comes to maintaining discipline. Such an incident is a severe breach of discipline and action will be taken,'' he added.

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