Cricket: Imran goes on the attack

Imran Khan criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board yesterday over the omission of the top fast bowler and fellow former captain, Wasim Akram, as the national team prepared to leave for South Africa and Zimbabwe for a 10-week tour.

The decision to drop Wasim has sparked outrage in Karachi, where several former Test players have slated the decision. "I find it hard to understand that a player of Wasim's ability has been axed from the team on fitness grounds," said Imran, who led Pakistan to the 1992 World Cup victory.

"Wasim's absence will weaken the Pakistan bowling in South Africa, especially on the hard and bouncy pitches which would have been suitable for him," Imran added. "Wasim is an automatic choice in any team."

Wasim decided to quit as Pakistan's captain last month amid allegations of match fixing.