Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer threatened legal action
against a leading Pakistani newspaper for accusing him of making racist remarks
against paceman Shoaib Akhtar. 
The daily Dawn, quoting unnamed sources, reported Friday that
Woolmer called Akhtar "blacky" during a heated debate with the fast
bowler in the second Test against South Africa at Port Elizabeth.
Akhtar took 4-36 on the first day of the Test but was unable
to continue after tearing a hamstring muscle, an injury that provoked a verbal
confrontation between him and Woolmer.
Akhtar was fined 2,500 dollars for misbehaving with the coach
and was sent back home.
In an email to reporters the Pakistani team coach said: "I
deny calling Akhtar anything or what is attributed in the newspaper.
"I would never do so as a coach and I have already spoken
to my solicitors regarding suing the paper. Such stories aim at distracting
our focus for the World Cup," said Woolmer, who has had an uneasy
relationship with the paceman since he took over over as coach in July 2004.
The newspaper said the alleged incident occurred in the presence
of captain Inzamam ul Haq and other team players.
"Unless Inzamam and Woolmer tender an apology in public,
Akhtar is willing to pull out of Pakistan's squad for the World Cup,"
the report said, quoting unnamed sources.
Dawn's sports editor Reeshad Mahmood said he would stand
by the story and declined to make any further comments.
Woolmer had earlier criticised Akhtar's lack of commitment
and directed him to shorten his long run-up during Pakistan's tour of Australia
in 2004, a demand turned down by the paceman dubbed as Rawalpindi Express for
his seering pace.
An Indian security official said Akhtar slapped Woolmer during
an incident in the Champions Trophy in India in October last year. Pakistan
Cricket Board demanded action against the official and denied the incident.
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