‘Stern measures’ will lift Pakistan’s game: Alam

ABU DHABI
Team manager Team manager Intikhab Alam Wednesday insisted that “strict steps” taken to improve discipline would improve Pakistan’s cricket and did not disturb the players.
Pakistan last week introduced a new code of conduct with stricter punishments for disciplinary breaches, which Alam said were needed in the wake of England tour rocked by spot-fixing allegations against the team. “All the strict steps taken are for the betterment of Pakistan cricket and all the players are feeling comfortable with them,” Alam told AFP.
Three Pakistani players — Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer — were suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following allegations of spot-fixing on the tour of England last month. The suspensions came following reports in British tabloid News of the World which claimed several Pakistani players took money to obey orders from an alleged bookmaker during August’s Lord’s Test against England.
Alam said Pakistan cricket will show signs of improvement — on and off the field.
“With players reminded of their responsibilities we hope that Pakistan cricket will show signs of improvement both on and off the field and the focus should be to do the best for the country,” said Alam, also a former captain.
Alam said players have been told to take care in meeting people who they don’t know. “There is no curb on players’ movement as dispelled in certain quarters. They have been asked not to go anywhere on match days and they are not allowed to bring any guest to their team hotel.
“But on off days they can go and meet their relatives but we have told them not to meet any strangers. Players are told to live within the rules of the new code of conduct,” said Alam. The alleged bookmaker Mazhar Majeed, initially arrested by Scotland Yard police before being released on bail, was described as players’ agent and was seen in team hotels on the England tour.
“We have told the players to be aware of such strangers and we have given lectures to players how to avoid any attempt to corrupt them. I am hopeful things will improve,” said Alam.
Except for captain, coach and manager no other member of the team is allowed to speak to the media, said Alam. Alam was coach on the tour of Australia earlier this year when seven players — including current one-day captain Shahid Afridi and former captains Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf — were fined and banned for discipline violation.
However, the bans were overturned and fines halved on appeals by Pakistan Cricket Board — a step criticised by former national and international players.