A press statement issued by Mr. Asad Ahmed Aziz; Manager Pakistan Cricket team to South Africa and Zimbabwe is reproduced below:

QUOTE
There has been much publication concerning the attack on two players of the Pakistan Cricket team and I am concerned and surprised at what I can only describe as rumour, speculation and unjustified conjecture surrounding the circumstances.

As Manager of the team; I am releasing this Press Statement my intention being to avoid any further unwarranted allegations against the players concerned.

I have personally satisfied myself that the report from the players of having being mugged is true and accurate. The assault on them was immediately reported to the police and present at the time were: The Team Captain, the Manager of the Hotel Mr. Douglas Russell our team Coach and Team Doctor.

I have assured the police that they will and do have my full cooperation and assistance in their investigation.

The publicity given to this unfortunate incident and the unsubstantiated statements in the newspaper and other media publications has affected all the players but in particular the two concerned. This was unnecessary and most unfortunate.

It is my considered view and I have decided that the players must now have the opportunity and chance to devote their attention to what was and is the purpose of their visit to South Africa. This will be in the best interests of crickets and the general public.

My decision is prompted by what I consider best in order to prevent any further adverse affect on the players themselves.

I make an appeal to the media respect this decision and to refrain from any further comments with regard to this matter Doing so will allow the team players to concentrate on what is most important to them
UNQOTE


WAQAR AHMAD
Secretary PCB
18th February 1998

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