The left-hand Test opener Aamir Sohail has said that induction of all-rounder Wasim Akram into the Pakistan cricket team has boosted its morale. Aamir denied of having had a ``quarrel'' with Wasim or any player of the side.
Addressing a hurriedly-convened Press conference at the Qadhafi Stadium with his functional left-arm in plaster on Saturday, Aamir Sohail said that he aggravated fracture on his wrist during the one-day international at Durban. Aamir Sohail reached Lahore from Johannesburg on Friday morning.
While replying to a question about his injury, Aamir Sohail said:
``I sustained this injury when I fell on my left arm while making a catch in a game in Zimbabwe. The doctor could not detect the fracture early. I had to lead the Pakistan team in Durban in absence of Rashid Latif, who was 'not well' and running 'high temperature'. After I complained about acute pain, when X-Rays of my left arm were taken, it was revealed that I had a fracture on my wrist. I had no option but to withdraw from the team''.
Aamir Sohail said that he offered to lead the side and aggravated his injury in larger interest of the team.
``I did not want to give anybody an opportunity to speculate that I was shirking duty or trying to run down the team'', said the sad-looking Aamir Sohail while replying to another question about his injury and return home.
Aamir Sohail said that to pick or send a replacement for him and nominate any vice-captain in his place was the responsibility of the national selectors or the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). So, he could not say why Mushtaq Ahmad had been selected to replace him in the side.
While replying to a question about injuries to players in the team, the stylish stroke-player Aamir Sohail said that barring off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq all the other members of the Pakistan team were fit.
``All those who got unfit at one time or the other during the tour had regained fitness and were now playing'', said Aamir.
The Test opener Aamir Sohail denied ``rumours'' and ``speculations'' of any rift in the Pakistan. He said:
``Let me make it clear that all the boys were fighting like a machine under the leadership of Rashid Latif. All stories of any quarrels among the players or feuds within the side appearing in some Pakistani newspapers or foreign media were a figment of their imagination and were directed at shattering the morale of the side, which is giving away its best''.
Aamir Sohail explained that plaster on his left-arm will be removed after six weeks. Doctors would examine his arm and advise him when to resume training to regain fitness for the hectic cricket competitions in which the Pakistan team would be participating.
``I have signed a contract with the PCB to play in all the tournaments and I am very keen to play. Please ask cricket lovers to pray for my early recovery'', said Aamir Sohail with a smile!
The Pakistan team is expected to play in the following competitions: