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Megaphones out of order

By William Gray in Toronto

Tuesday 16 September 1997


WASIM Akram, the Pakistan captain laid low by injury, has called for a ban on the use of megaphones by spectators at matches following an incident here at the weekend resulting in a Pakistani player being banned for two matches.

Inzamam-Ul-Haq, who was fielding on the boundary in the second of five Sahara Cup one-day games against India, leapt over an advertising hoarding and charged into the stands with a bat to confront a heckler.

Wasim, not playing in the series due to a long-term shoulder problem, was working as a television commentator at the match and said he spoke with Inzamam after he was escorted from the crowd.

Akram said Inzamam told him a fan with a megaphone had been taunting him all afternoon. ``He said he had had enough,'' Akram said. ``Now we know one thing for sure, megaphones should be banned. You can have a go at the player but not at their family or background.''

Meanwhile, Jackie Hendriks, the International Cricket Council referee, issued the ban which will allow Inzamam to play in the final match next Sunday -assuming the series is still alive with India 2-0 up. ``That is conduct unbecoming an international cricket player and brought the game into disrepute,'' Hendricks said.

Inzamam, a batsman, has played for Pakistan in one-day internationals since 1991. He made 10 before being caught behind in Sunday's match, which India won by seven wickets.

Pakistan and India matches in the past have been plagued by troubles and the idea of playing the series in Toronto was to provide a neutral safe haven.

In the meantime, there is better news on Wasim after the recent operation on his bowling shoulder. He is now in light training and expects to be fully fit again by early next month and says he is looking forward to leading Pakistan and playing again for Lancashire next season.

Adam Hollioake is out of Surrey's championship decider against Kent starting at Canterbury on Thursday. The all-rounder is suffering from a hamstring strain.

James Bovill, 26, the Hampshire fast bowler plagued by back problems, has not had his contract renewed by the county.


Source: The Electronic Telegraph
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Date-stamped : 25 Feb1998 - 18:59