JOHANNESBURG, FEB 13: The first Test between South Africa and Pakistan will start a day late tomorrow, United Cricket Board chief Ali Bacher said today.The match, initially scheduled to start today, was delayed after two Pakistan players, Saqlain Mushtaq and Mohammed Akram, were hurt in a mugging incident outside the team's hotel in Northern Johannesburg on Wednesday night.
Bacher told reporters that Pakistan captain Rashid Latif had contacted him to say the Test at Wanderers ``will definitely start on Saturday.''
Pakistan officials requested the postponement of the first Test following the assault. The touring team said they had only 10 fit players after Mushtaq and Akram were attacked by three men as they walked to a restaurant on Wednesday.
Latif told reporters yesterday that in addition to the two mugging victims, bowlers Shoiab Akhtar and Waqar Younis, as well as himself, were injured, leaving the tourists with just 10 fit players.
Pakistan vice-captain Aamir Sohail, appointed captain for theTest in Latif's absence, told reporters he had been banking on Akram and Saqlain.
``The weather has changed,'' he said, referring to a heavy downpour yesterday afternoon after 10 days of baking heat in Johannesburg. ``We were counting on two spinners, hoping that the wicket would break.
``These were the two bowlers we were banking on and unluckily they got mugged on the road last night. This hasn't left us with many options.'' Earlier, an angry Latif had said unless the team was provided with full protection, they had no option but to boycott the first Test.
Akram suffered a cut on his bowling hand. Both players were beaten around the ribs and chest Bacher said extra security has been arranged for the Pakistani team. The African National Congress (ANC) condemned the attack and urged anyone with information to give it to the police. ``We are sure this will not happen again,'' he said. The African National Congress (ANC) condemned the attack and urged anyone with information to give it to thepolice.
``Incidents such as these contribute towards the creation of a negative image of our country abroad, and undermine investor confidence,'' said the ANC's department of information and publicity in a statement.
``We take this opportunity to extend our sympathies to Mohammad Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq, and wish them a speedy recovery.''
Both players were knocked unconscious by the attackers, who fled after being disturbed by the passing traffic.
Akram, who is expected to share the new ball with Younis, was sent to a nearby hospital for X-rays and treatment for lacerations. He is doubtful for the Test.
``They wanted money and when I said no, they grabbed me by my neck and punched me,'' said Saqlain, who suffered minor cuts to his right arm and chest as his assailants tore his shirt. ``The only thing I can remember is Akram coming to my help. Later, when I recovered, I saw the two men punching Akram as he remained unconscious on the pavement.''
Pakistan is scheduled to play a three-Test seriesagainst South Africa. It will also participate in a one-day triangular series in April that also includes World Cup champions Sri Lanka.
``We want full security for the whole tour,'' Latif said. ``My players are ambassadors for our country and my first task as captain is to ensure the safety of my players.''
Latif noted West Indies and Australia had both refused to play in the last cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka because they feared for the safety of their players.
``As far as I'm concerned the United Cricket Board of South Africa is responsible for the safety of my men,'' he said.
Team coach Haroon Rashid described the incident as ``sad and very scary''.``Anything could have happened if they hadn't been disturbed,'' Rashid said. ``We are here to play cricket and we want the right environment for it. We don't want to be confined to hotel rooms and live as prisoners.''
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
