Bans are a bit harsh for poor performance: Pollock

Abu Dhabi, Mar 10 (PTI) Former South African skipper
Shaun Pollock today said if poor performance was criteria for
handing out bans to Pakistani cricketers then the punishment
is a "bit harsh".
The PCB today invoked indefinite bans on Mohammed Yousuf
and Younus Khan and also imposed one-year bans on Shoaib Malik
and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan on the recommendations of the inquiry
committee which probed their flop show Down Under.
The Akmal brothers — Kamran and Umar — and Shahid Afridi
were put under observation and imposed heavy fines.
"I don't know. If that's the reason that they lost in
Australia so they are banned then its a bit too harsh. Elevens
players make a team and they all have to perform. I don't know
what the review system is but its not easy to comment when you
don't know the truth is," said a shocked Pollock, when
informed about the ban.
Talking about his IPL side Mumbai Indians, Pollock said
Sachin Tendulkar's show with the bat would be crucial to their
fortunes in the Twenty20 tournament, beginning Friday.
"I think Mumbai will need him to play well. Here is a guy
so great so you would obviously want him to bat 20 overs and
steers the ship through. If he can get some scores he can get
the team to some wins in some matches," said the former
all-rounder.
Pollock, who is here as an academy member for the Laureus
Sport Award, also feels that Umpire referral system requires
some fine-tuning to give better results.
"Certain things needs to be adjusted. We all want right
decisions to be made so we have to ensure that the technology
we use can get all in perfect place.
"Tennis have implemented it and there is no discussion on
that. When something new is implemented it is difficult to
change people but one year down the lane if you can get
everything in line, it is good technology and can help the
game," he said.
Pollock said the South African team has the firepower to
excel and dominate world cricket in the next two years.
"I don't watch as much cricket as I used to as I have
some other focuses but it is really nice to see the guys doing
well. The team have moved on in the last 10 years. They have
the team to dominate in the next two years. It would be good
time for South Africa in future," he said. PTI ATK AT