Bouncers could have hurt Pak duo

Reports of the attack prompted waves of condemnation from politicians and sports officials and a promise that security for the tourists would be stepped up.

While the police have instituted investigation into the incident, the two players have refused to make a statement without the presence of their lawyer on the sidelines, forcing speculations that they might have received their injuries elsewhere.

Allegations of the players having been seen at a strip club last Tuesday and Wednesday and that they had been involved in a scuffle with bouncers on the second night have emerged. Meanwhile, South Africa Cricket Board chief, AliBacher, said the players had consulted a local lawyer and would make a final statement very soon.

"The entire Pakistan camp is upset that these allegations are being made against Akram and Mushtaq. We support the standpoint of the cricketers until such time there is evidence contrary to their statements," Bacher said.

Police are taking the mugging claims seriously because only a week ago five New Zealand tourists had made a false claim that they had been mugged and robbed in the centre of Johannesburg. Police said the women had lied in an attempt to return home and make insurance claims. The tourism agencies in the meantime have expressed their concern about the false claims. In fact, reports have provoked outrage among the South African public, who claim the two Pakistani players have unfairly tarnished the country’s image. Meanwhile, the manager of touring Pakistani team yesterday appealed to the media for an end to "rumour, speculation and unjustified conjecture" surrounding the mugging of the twoplayers.

Asad Ahmed Aziz said in a statement he was satisfied that the report he had received from bowlers Mohammad Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq was "true and accurate".