Petition against Pakistan cricket team's poor performance in World Cup

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court today admitted a petition against the Pakistani cricket team over its "dismal performance" in the ongoing World Cup in which it was routed by India and West Indies.

The petition also sought removal of both Pakistan Cricket Board chief Shahryar Ahmed Khan and chairman of its executive committee Najam Sethi for allegedly not selecting the team on merit.

Justice Ijazul Hassan will hear the case tomorrow. Advocate Rizwan Gul, who filed the petition in the Lahore High Court, pleaded in his application that a "thorough investigation" be carried out into the team's "dismal performance" in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup, 2015.

He also said despite the Supreme Court's direction, the Pakistan Muslim League-(N), government has made anchor Sethi chairman of the executive committee of the PCB.

"Sethi is running the main show in the PCB. Most cricketers had been selected in the team against merit," the advocate said.

He said Sethi should be removed from the PCB in accordance with the apex court's order.

Gul has made Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Khan and Sethi respondents in the case.

Pakistan have made a dismal start to their Pool 'B' campaign at the World Cup. After a 76-run defeat to India in their opening match on February 15, the Pakistani cricket team was routed by West Indies with a humiliating margin of 150 runs.

People in different parts of the country protested against the players by burning their effigies over their poor performance against India and West Indies.

Meanwhile, the PCB has sought clarification from chief selector Moin Khan - on tour with the Pakistan World Cup squad - over his visit to a casino before the crucial match against the West Indies.