'Players indulging in corruption must be dealt with strongly'

Stating that the spot-fixing controversy that rocked the Indian Premier League was unfortunate, Pakistan cricket team coach Dav Whatmore said the players who are involved in such acts of corruption should not be spared.

-Five Indian players suspended after spot-fixing claims

"What has happened in the IPL is unfortunate but when I was working with the Kolkata Knight Riders team I didn't see or sense any such thing going in the league," Whatmore said.

"If anyone is indulging in corruption anywhere he must be dealt with strongly by the administrators. I think the ICC and its members are also well aware of what needs to be done to deal with this problem," he added.

Meanwhile, Whatmore defended the decision to select separate Test, ODI and T20 teams for the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka.

"It is always a good thing if a new blood is given an opportunity to play for his national team. It only leads to healthier competition for places and allows you to have a broader scope of talent to choose from," Whatmore said.

The Pakistan selectors, in consultation with Whatmore have picked up separate teams for the different formats for the Sri Lanka tour with at least six new faces in the three squads and another nine players being recalled.

Insisting that there is a need to have specialist players for the different formats, Whatmore said, "I'm satisfied that players have been picked in the different teams according to their suitability for each format.

"As far as captaincy is concerned that is not my area and I will support and back any decision the PCB takes."

Whatmore had no doubt that his players would face a gruelling Test in Sri Lanka, who are hard to beat in their own backyard.