The public spat between Shoaib Akhtar and Bob Woolmer has taken a new
twist with a newspaper claiming that the Pakistan coach had used abusive
language with racial overtones against the fast bowler during a heated argument
in South Africa.
Woolmer, however, has strongly denied that he had used any abusive language
during the altercation.
A leading English newspaper 'Dawn' reported today that Shoaib
had demanded a public apology from Woolmer and captain, Inzamam ul Haq
for insulting and abusing him during the second Test in Port Elizabeth.
Shoaib returned home after breaking down with a hamstring strain
after just bowling 13 overs in the first innings and taking four wickets. It
was his first Test appearance in 11 months time.
The report said that Inzamam had set up the entire incident
and incited Woolmer into questioning the seriousness of Shoaib's hamstring injury
on the second day.
The report claimed Woolmer than tried to slap Shoaib after
he reacted strongly and that the foreign coach had called him a "Blacky"
in front of everyone.
Shoaib was fined $2500 by the team manager for the incident
and sent home because the Pakistan board said he was injured.
"It is a lie. I did not say any such thing to anyone. I have never and
will never abuse anyone racially," Woolmer said from his home in Capetown.
"It is completely against my nature to behave like this. The report is
rubbish," he said.
Woolmer also said he would consult his lawyers and consider
taking legal action against the newspaper.
A Pakistan cricket board official said Shoaib had not reported the incident
to them verbally or in writing.
"It has not been brought to our notice but we will be
speaking to manager Talat Ali about it. And Woolmer has also submitted report
on the series to the board," Saleem Altaf, Director Cricket Operations
said.
Shoaib is presently in London to get an opinion on his knee
injury and is expected to return home by Saturday.
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