Islamabad: Former skipper and veteran all-rounder Wasim Akram appeared before the inquiry committee set up by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to probe the team's debacle in the World Cup. Akram, who differed his retirement plans after Pakistan's early exit from the World Cup, appeared before the three-member panel on Monday in Lahore, 'The News' reported on Tuesday. The committee, headed by Col Naushad Ali, discussed at length with Akram the reasons for the team's failure in South Africa. Off spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, whose omission from the team for crucial matches had created a controversy, also met the panel, the report said. In the coming days, the committee is expected to examine more members of the squad before finalising its report by March 23, a day before PCB announces the revamped squad to take part in the tri-nation Sharjah Cup beginning on April 1. The World Cup team led by Waqar Younis, playing in Pool 'A', finished ahead of only Holland and Namibia to go out in the first round. This was the first such instance for Pakistan since the inaugural World Cup in 1975. As if that was not enough, the team again lost to arch-rivals India in a World Cup match. Pakistan is yet to beat India in the mega event after four meetings - the first three coming in 1992, '96 and '99 World Cup. Extras:
Imran seeks PCB chief's head, says Akram must lead

Tags: cricket, wasim akram, pakistan cricket board, pcb, world cup in south africa, col naushad ali, saqlain mushtaq, waqar younis, pakistan vs india.