Waqar to miss Doha hearing

Pune, (India) - Pakistan team coach Waqar Younis presently on tour of New Zealand may not remain present in person at the ICC's spot-fixing hearing against suspended trio, Salman Butt and pacers, M Asif and M Aamir. This was revealed by the team manager Intikhab Alam. Speaking exclusively over telephone from Whangarei, Intikhab said: "Younis is currently on New Zealand tour and may not be able to leave the team. Our team is scheduled to play the first Test against New Zealand (at Hamilton) from January 7. The hearing (January 6-11) is coinciding with the Test match". When reminded if Younis is relieved, why can not the manager and also the former player and coach of the team officiate the dual role, Intikhab Alam said, "it is highly unlikely to happen. However, if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ICC still insist, he may take part in the tele-conference". Later, speaking to this scribe, Waqar confirmed, "how can I go to Doha from New Zealand when I am here with the team? I am yet to learn about attending the tele-conference but will do so, if asked". Younis was reported as saying that M Aamir's infamous no-ball during the Lord's Test against England had surprised him 'greatly because it was very different from his normal delivery stride. He had also said he'd taken up the issue with the bowler himself, only for the then captain, Salman Butt, to intervene before Aamir could reply. It may also be recalled here that earlierYounis was accused (by Aaqib Javed) of receiving a car (Pajero Inter Cooler) from a bookie (Salim Pervez) in 1990s. However, the allegations against him could not be proved before the one-man commission of Justice Qayyum which was appointed in 2000. "Waqar Younus should be kept under observation and investigated. Further, during proceedings it was felt that Waqar Younus has been reluctant to help this commission." It is therefore recommended that he be fined Rs. 1 lac", Justice Qayyum had noted in his fact-finding report.

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