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Pybus gives Pakistan World Cup team a clean chit

Suspended Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has received a vote of confidence from the man who helped the side reach the World Cup final in June.

Richard Pybus, 35, the English-born South Africa-based coach who was given a short term contract as assistant to Mushtaq Mohammad, has lashed out against suggestions that Pakistan 'threw' some matches, including the final.

''I can only speak with certainty about the World Cup, but during the two months that I was with the team I had and still have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that everything was above board and beyond reproach,'' Pybus said today.

''The team was completely focused throughout the tournament. The schedule was tight -- travel, practise, play, sleep and move on. If there had been the slightest suggestion of anything unusual then I am certain I would have become suspicious. It just never happened.

''Any notion that Pakistan 'threw' the World Cup final is pure science fiction as far as I'm concerned, completely ridiculous,'' said Pybus.

UNI