Was Razzaq unfit for Sharjah Cup?

The Pakistan cricket administrators had ignored the advice of its panel of doctors while selecting all rounder Abdur Razzaq for the Sharjah Cup. A doctor in the panel told Dawn on the condition of anonymity, that Razzaq was declared medically unfit to tour or even play in the desert city.

"But our opinion was not taken into consideration," he said.

The director of the PCB, Brig Munawwar Rana, without commenting on the contents of Razzaq's medical report, said: "All I can say is that we have a medical report on Razzaq."

Razzaq represented Pakistan in the Sharjah Cup after he returned last month from the tour to New Zealand because of dehydration that weakened his muscles.

The doctor further revealed that the panel's observation on Razzaq was based on the all rounder's sole visit to them.

"Razzaq was asked to come back to us but he never turned up. In fact, we asked Razzaq thrice through the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to visit us. But for some reason or the other, we didn't see him."

Interestingly, when the chairman of selectors, Wasim Bari had been questioned on the inclusion of Razzaq, the former Test captain had expressed his ignorance about his fitness. He had then said that his committee had been informed by the concerned authority that he was available for selection.

The doctor also blamed the cricket administrators for the breaking down of paceman Shoaib Akhtar whose tour to New Zealand was shortened after he was again reported for a suspect bowling action.

"The panel (of doctors) felt that Shoaib was not fit and needed at least six more weeks to strengthen his muscles. But our opinion was again rejected."

Shoaib was included for the tour to New Zealand after a 10- month layoff.

Ironically, the same panel of doctors will determine the fitness of Wasim Akram, Azhar Mahmood, Moin Khan and Shoaib Akhtar for next month's tour to England.

It wouldn't be a surprise if at least three, including Wasim and Moin, fail fitness tests despite appearing in two one-day tournament matches for PIA at Sheikhupura against Pakistan Customs and Habib Bank.