I am a victim of changes in Pakistan board, Razzaq says

Dubai: Abdul Razzaq, who hit a breezy 46 off 18 balls to emerge as Pakistan's hero in the team's victory over England in the second match of the WorldCall T20 Challenge at the Dubai Sports City cricket stadium on Saturday, revealed that his progress as a cricketer was almost destroyed by a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief.

It brought to light the prejudices that some cricket administrators have for players that has resulted in Pakistan team unable to give their best in international matches.

"I was not included in the team not because I did not perform as a player but I was a victim of the changes that came into the Pakistan Cricket Board. Nasim Ashraf, the former PCB chief, did not like me and that is why I was not selected," said Razzaq, who is one of the finest allrounders in the game and has scored 4,590 runs and bagged 254 wickets in one-day internationals.

Ashraf was appointed as the chief by former Pakistan President Pervez Musharaff and had to subsequently resign from the post when Musharaff stepped down in 2008. During Musharaff's nine year-term as the president he appointed three cricket chiefs.

Talking about his innings against England, Razzaq said: "When I went out to bat I felt very confident. I kept telling myself we should not lose. My mind said I can do it and I am thankful to God that we did it."

Razzaq's all five sixes were hit with sheer power. "During our team meeting it was decided to hit the ball hard and that is why I went for those sixes. It was a good partnership with Fouad Alam and always good partnerships can win matches," said Razzaq, who is one of the cleanest hitters in the game.

Confident show

Razzaq has guided Pakistan to many victories under pressure.

"Twenty20 is a pressure game and one has to perform under such pressures. It is one game in which no one is a favourite and anyone who can perform well on that day can win the match."

Razzaq is confident that Pakistan can retain the Twenty20 World Cup. "We have no weakness as a team. We will have a good combination when the injured Mohammad Aamer and few others return to the side. We had a good combination during the last Twenty20 World Cup and we expect to have a strong team this time too."