Dr Qadir Khan presents shield, cash award to Shoaib Akhtar (23 April 1999)

23 April 1999

Dr Qadir Khan presents shield, cash award to Shoaib Akhtar

Our Sports Reporter

ISLAMABAD, April 22: Renowned nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan presented a KRL shield and Rs1,50,000 to pacer Shoaib Akhtar in recognition of his superb contributions in the Pakistan cricket team's momentous victories at India and Sharjah.

In a brief but befitting reception, held at the KRL cricket stadium on Thursday, where the guests list included a host of key Pakistani scientists, cricket officials and players, Shoaib's bowling capabilities were appreciated concertedly.

Dr A.Q Khan had a lively chat with 23-year-old Shoaib before presenting the shield and the two cheques. He told Shoaib to share Rs 50,000 with the team and the rest of the amount, gathered as contributions from project associates, was for the pacer alone.

But the slow over-rate of Pakistan team concerned Dr Khan more "I feel that Pakistan team loses too much time during the overs, the fielders should know which position they have to take and should do it swiftly. It would be vital in the World Cup," he said.

The scientist also indicated to increase the sports patronage by including hockey in the KRL plan.

Dr Mansoor Ahmed, the master-mind behind KRL's multiplying cricket strength, gave the analysis of Shoaib's rapid rise in international cricket scene from a Rawalpindi club player. Over the last two months, Shoaib Akhtar has emerged Pakistan team's key member and the "hottest commodity" of the World Cup.

Shoaib Akhtar's express delivery that uprooted Sachin Tendulkar's middle stump on the first ball was the highlight of the reception ceremony. Taking cue from the 8-wicket haul in the Test, Shoaib played instrumental role in the Tri-Nation One-day Tournament claiming 9 wickets, he followed it up by grabbing 11 off 149 runs in the Sharjah Trophy.

Taking the opportunity, Dr Mansoor Ahmed demanded representation of departments in the Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB),and called for separate domestic and international schedules specifically to have the employed players available to the department during the competition.

The KRL stadium reaching its third completion stage will be ready to host a Test match by year 2000. The playing facilities at KRL stadium have been highly appreciated by all visiting sides who have toured Rawalpindi, the venue is planned to have additional attractions like swimming pool, gymnasium and floodlights, Dr Ahmed disclosed.

Rawalpindi Division Cricket Association Secretary Ashraf Qureshi, thanked Dr A. Q Khan on behalf of his RDCA and maintained that the patronage of KRL has produced class cricketers for Pakistan. While RDCA works as a nursery, the KRL has groomed these cricketers by providing financial support as a result seven Rawalpindi cricketers have served Pakistan in one form or the other.

Former national selector Col (Rtd) Noushad Ali acknowledged the hard work put in by Shoaib to reach the present stage but suggested that pacer should try to preserve his strength for longer life in cricket by bowling in small 3-4 over bursts.

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)