Pakistan camp divided? PCB launches probe to investigate if groupism led to ICC World T20 debacle

Karachi, Pakistan: The fact finding committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is probing the National team’s poor show in the Asia Cup, has also been tasked to find out whether there is any groupism in the side or if any player has under-performed during the World T20. According to a highly-placed source in the PCB, the committee will talk to captain Shahid Afridi, head coach, Waqar Younis, manager Intikhab Alam and some players in the World T20 squad when the team returns home from India. “The committee will also talk to the other members of the support staff including the security manager, assistant coach and batting coach Grant Flower,” the source said. [caption id=“attachment_2685966” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Pakistan players during the World T20 match against India at Eden Gardens on Saturday. AFP[/caption] He said the PCB high-ups were puzzled over the way the Pakistan team had lost to New Zealand when it appeared they were on course for a win. “The board has taken serious notice of rumors and speculations that they could be groupings in the team and cases of some players under-performing to settle personal scores,” he added. The development comes just two days after PCB Chairman, Shaharyar Khan insisted at a press conference in Lahore that they were no groupings in the team and that the players were motivated and united. The fact-finding committee which includes present Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq and senior batsman Younis Khan has already met thrice to probe into the Asia Cup debacle when Pakistan lost to India and Bangladesh. Younis had declined to attend the meetings insisting he would make an appearance after the World T20 is over. PCB’s chief operating officer, Subhan Ahmad, former Test spinner, Iqbal Qasim and member governing board, Shakil Sheikh are other members of the committee. The source said that Shaharyar was deeply disturbed by the way Afridi and Waqar spoke after the loss to New Zealand. “The comments made by both indicated all is not well within the team,” the source added. Waqar blasted his players without naming anyone for their inapt performances but referred particularly to Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad. Shaharyar has copped some criticism for his comments made during the World T20 when he said that the captain and coach would be changed after the event. Pakistan’s former fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar said when the Chairman made such comments in the middle of an event how could the team perform and remain confident. PTI