Breaking his silence soon after claims emerged that he misled officials regarding his fitness, Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq said he clarified his position to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf. According to reports, the PCB is considering taking disciplinary action against Razzaq after he told the selection committee that he was not fit enough to bowl in the One-Day International (ODI) series against England and, instead, took part in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). In an interview, the selection committee chairman Mohammad Illyas expressed surprise to see the all-rounder bowl his overs in ‘rhythm’.
However, Razzaq, who is representing Duronto Rajshahi in the Twenty20 tournament, said that he did not lie to anyone. “I didn’t mislead anyone,” Razzaq was quoted by sources from Dhaka. “I met the PCB chairman before the BPL started and I made it crystal clear that I cannot bowl 10 overs in an ODI because of a shoulder injury. “I explained to him that I can only bowl three or four overs. If anyone is following the BPL, they’ll know that I have bowled only around 10 overs in the last five matches.” Razzaq added that he was on constant medication and felt that it would be unfair to play in the ODIs being less than 100 per cent fit. “I’m only able to bowl these few overs after taking pain-killing injections and medicines. I couldn’t even take part in the practice session [on Sunday].”
The all-rounder felt there was still a long way to go before he could attain full fitness. “I can play Twenty20s but for ODIs, I feel I am only 50 per cent fit.” Razzaq was also unsure of being fit for the Asia Cup that kicks off in the second week of March but added that he will update the PCB over his fitness. However, the all-rounder, who has played 265 ODIs and 46 Tests, was dejected at the uncertainty over his selection in the team. “People know that I rejected many lucrative offers since my preference was the national team. The authorities should instill their confidence in players. Uncertainty in selection has definitely hampered my performance.”
