Hanif not being allowed to groom players (1 Apr 1997)

1 April 1997

Hanif not being allowed to groom players

By Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI, March 31: Pakistan is very unlucky that players like Hanif Mohammad are being restricted to groom the youngsters.

"I have been flatly refused by various organisations when I approached them to give me their grounds on rent," Hanif said.

Hanif was particularly angry with the Defence Stadium officials. "They threw me out. I gave publicity and popularity to them by holding coaching clinics there but they hit me under the belt. "I asked them to keep me as entrepreneur but they rejected the offer for no reason."

Hanif maintained that Defence Stadium was a Test centre only because he had fought for their cause. "I prepared the wicket there and finalised the arrangements. But what am I getting in returnhumiliation. This is what I deserve after serving Pakistan for two decades," a disappointed Hanif stated.

"I contacted the PCB Chief Executive, Majid Khan, who after making a promise, reversed his decision and allocated the eight practice wickets outside the stadium to Defence Stadium officials," said Hanif.

Hanif said Majid had promised to provide the practice facilities at a cost of Rs 400. "Where the board should have provided me free place, they refused to give me on the promised amount.

"I am a retired man. I want to continue my livelihood by coaching young boys but I am being deprived of everything."

Hanif said one of his prodigies, Ovais Shah, has qualified for Middlesex first team. "He, in fact, was selected for the Australian tour in England A team. Another boy, Taufeeq Badaruddin, toured the West Indies with Pakistan Under-19," claimed Hanif.

It is very sad that a player of the class of Hanif Mohammad, instead of being encouraged, is being sidelined. It is also unfortunate that Middlesex benefited from his clinic but Pakistan refused to take advantage at a time when there is no concept of coaching the country Pakistan. The higher authorities should immediately intervene and help Hanif play his part in rebuilding the team before the great batsman decides to bow out chiefly to protect his prestige and reputation.

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