A first class career which started way back in the early 80s is on the
verge of ending
Staff Reporter
24-Apr-2001
A first class career which started way back in the early 80s is on the
verge of ending. Saba Karim, the former Indian cricketer is
contemplating retirement. Talking to this correspondent at a function
to announce the launch of an Under-16 school tournament Saba said,
"The moment has probably come to call it a day. The possibility of
playing for the country has ceased to exist. I had made up my mind a
long time back that when such a situation arrived, I would call it a
day. The motivation to play for the country had kept me going. Now the
chances of a comeback have disappeared. There are plenty of other
things to do in life. So it is time to bid adieu."
The wicket-keeper has taken to wearing glasses since that fateful day
in May when Anil Kumble's delivery struck him at the Bangabandhu
Stadium in Dhaka. He knows that with glasses it will be difficult for
him to don the wicket-keeping gloves any more. So he has been the
first one to congratulate Deep Dasgupta. "I gave him a call on Sunday.
I told him to go and enjoy himself at the camp in Bangalore. He will
learn a lot of things. He should really utilize the chance of being
with so many senior pros." Karim who works in the Corporate
Communications Division of TISCO also felt bad at the way the Ranji
Trophy final between Baroda and Railways was hosted. "Did you see the
ground where the final was played," he asked incredulously. He agreed
to the view that the Ranji Trophy final should always be played at
covered grounds simply because it is one of the most prestigious
tournaments in the country. "There should be some security for the
players" he said.
Saba Karim is planning to go to England sometime within the next few
months. "I want to pick up a degree in coaching" he said. "I would
like to be associated with the game in some form or the other." At
present, he is associated with various school level tournaments,
trying to attract more and more young cricketers to the game.