'Wake-up call' for Pakistan
2002-10-29 12:43
Islamabad - After months of crisis and a string of humiliating defeats, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to fine international team members when they lose or neglect their fitness, but reward them when they win.
The sport's top official governing body said on Tuesday the decision to impose the penalties was taken "for the betterment of the players."
"It is a very positive move," board spokesman Samiul Hasan said.
Pakistani cricketers have a history of openly challenging management's decisions, but Hasan said players have accepted the new set of rules. "This has not been a unilateral move. The captain and the manager have accepted it."
Under the new rules, players in a winning team will receive a bonus of 20% on top of their match fees and other payments, but they will be penalized by 20% if they lose.
The cricket managers also promised that a batsman scoring 200 or more runs and a bowler taking six or more wickets are to be paid around $3 300.
For a haul of five wickets or half of those runs, players are to get around $1 000. Four catches or as many run-outs by fielders or a wicketkeeper will also earn $1 000.
But this comes, said Hasan, with a "wake up call" to players not to ignore fitness, even off season. Most cricket in Pakistan is played in winter.
"There will be a penalty of up to $1 000 on each individual player who is reported unfit or not up to the fitness standards required for international cricket," the board's warning said.
Team captain Waqar Younis is to lead the Pakistani side to Zimbabwe on November 1 for two Test matches and five one-day internationals. A visit to South Africa follows in December, but it has not been decided if Younis is to lead in that series as well.
Pakistan cricket has suffered a series of setbacks in recent months including player injuries, match fixing allegations as well as humiliating defeats. - Sapa-AP
- SAPA