Akram wants World XI in Pak

Lahore, Feb 5: With international teams avoiding Pakistan, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has suggested that the PCB should invite a World XI team to play in the country to clear security apprehensions. ''We should give priority to inviting a World XI if no country is willing to send teams to Pakistan. If we offer good money to international cricketers from different country they will come and this will go a long way in showing the world that it is safe to play cricket in our country,'' Akram told mediapersons here. The former skipper lashed out against the officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and accused them of lacking vision and direction. ''Although the PCB is run by former cricketers I don't see a sense of direction but I think we should give them some time. They should also avoid personal feuds and make a good system and follow it,'' he stated. He also criticised the PCB for mishandling the affair regarding former skipper Javed Miandad who resigned as director general of the Pakistan board recently. ''All Board officials must realise no one person can enjoy or have absolute powers. Major decisions must be taken collectively and that is how a good company is run,'' he said. Slamming former captain Shoaib Malik for his attitude, Akram felt that last month's series defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka was not the only reason behind his ouster as skipper. ''I don't think only Sri Lanka series decided Malik's fate. I think his performance and attitude on and off the field also caused him dearly. I think he had lost confidence of senior players and I hope Younis Khan will prove himself as a good leader,'' he averred. Commenting on the IPL ban imposed on Pakistan players by the government, the 42-year-old felt that if the Indian government guaranteed their security, they should be allowed to go and play in India. (UNI)

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