Razzaq accuses Ashraf of trying to destroy his career

Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has taken a swipe at Nasim Ashraf saying the former cricket board chairman tried to destroy his international career.

Razzaq, who smashed a whirlwind 46 off just 18 balls to help Pakistan beat England in a Twenty20 International in Dubai Saturday night, said that Ashraf developed a dislike for him and forced selectors to drop him from the national team.

"I was not included in the team because I did not perform as a player but I was a victim of the changes that came into the Pakistan Cricket Board. Nasim Ashraf, the former PCB chief, did not like me and that is why I was not selected," said Razzaq, who was so heartbroken by PCB's attitude that he joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) more than two years back.

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Razzaq was banned by the PCB and pardoned last year when he broke off ties with the cash-rich ICL. He made a successful comeback to the Pakistan line-up during the ICC World Twenty20 in England last summer.

Razzaq, who has scored 4,590 runs and bagged 254 wickets in One-day internationals, said he was confident of doing well against England in Dubai.

"When I went out to bat I felt very confident. I kept telling myself we should not lose. My mind said I can do it and I am thankful to God that we did it," he said.

"During our team meeting it was decided to hit the ball hard and that is why I went for those sixes. It was a good partnership with Fawad Alam and good partnerships can always win matches," he said.

Razzaq is hopeful that Pakistan will retain the World Twenty20 title in the Caribbean this summer.

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"We have no weakness as a team. We will have a good combination when the injured Mohammad Aamer and few others return to the side. We had a good combination during the last Twenty20 World Cup and we expect to have a strong team this time too," he concluded.