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First SA-Pak Test postponed to Saturday

Setting aside a request for a delay after two players were mugged, Pakistan's cricketers agreed to start the first of three Tests against South Africa at the Wanderers tomorrow.

Pakistan had at first requested a week's postponement of the first Test, originally scheduled to begin today, after the two players were mugged outside their hotel on Wednesday night. But captain Rashid Latif confirmed that his side would take to the field on Saturday.

Latif broke the news to Ali Bacher, the managing director of the United Cricket Board of South Africa, in a phone call when Bacher was in the midst of a media briefing.

"Pakistan will play the first Test tomorrow,'' a jubilant Bacher said. He later expressed his regret to the Pakistani team for the incident.

"It is a risk we have to take,'' said Latif, who will miss the Test because of a neck injury. Vice-captain Aamir Sohail will lead in his absence.

Pakistan will field an injury-hit side, with half the bowling attack sporting some problem or the other. The visitors are likely to include off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, one of the two victims of the mugging.

Mushtaq and fast bowler Mohammad Akram were assaulted by three men 20 yards away from their hotel as they went out for dinner.

"Saqlain might play, but Akram is definitely out,'' Latif said, adding, "We will be badly weakened because some of the other bowlers are injured too'' He said the decision to play tomorrow was made without any pressure from South Africa.

"It was time to make a decision, whether right or wrong. I went to each team member's room and requested them to play tomorrow and they have accepted it,'' he said.

Also nursing injuries are fast bowler Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram's replacement, Shoaib Akhtar, who has a suspected ligament injury. If he is diagnosed as having the problem, Akhtar will return to Pakistan for treatment.

Latif said the tour management has sought a replacement, either Aaqib Javed or Fazal-e-Akbar. Both men are playing in the 'Test' against India 'A' and the earliest either could arrive would be on Sunday.

Latif also hinted that deposed captain Wasim Akram might join the side for the two Test tour of Zimbabwe and the one-day triangular series in South Africa in April that will include world champions Sri Lanka.

Saqlain was cleared to play by team physiotherapist, Dan Kiesel, but Mohammad Akram was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who treated him for an injury to his left ribs. He was also treated for lacerations. He has difficulty breathing.

Bacher said South African President Nelson Mandela was "deeply perturbed'' by the incident. "The president will phone the Pakistan team to indicate his concern and the support of the entire nation,'' the UBSA boss said.

UNI