FAISALABAD, Pakistan, Shakoor Rana, the Pakistan Umpire at the center of the uproar which almost wrecked the England cricket tour, remained unapologetic on Friday about his part in the affair.
“Why should I apologies when I was not at fault. It is gentlemen’s game and one should play like one”, he said.
But Rana said he was pleased England skipper Mike Gatting had made an apology to him.
“I am very glad that Gatting accepted my demand, he told reporters.
Gatting said earlier he had considered resigning the captaincy because of pressure exerted on him ‘over the incident.
“Resignation was thought about but the players and the manager are giving me 100 per Cent support which is very much needed. It has been difficult for me and the manager”, he said.
“As far as the England players are concerned they are not happy, nor am I, he told reporters after Friday’s play.
“We take it on the chin all the and nobody gives in any way whatsoever,” he said. “We have taken it on the chin again.
Rana denied called Gatting a cheat at the time of the incident.
“I did not say cheat to him. T only said Hold On, that is unfair play’, according to law I was right”.
Asked about the England players’ statement that he was the first to use bad language, Rana said: “I think they are wrong. They, | am ‘sure, have seen the replay (of the television film of the incident), I suggest they see it again and again and they will find that T was not abusing and I was not at fault.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 18, 1987
