Mushtaq Has Doubts If Players Will Play Against India (25 Jan 1997)

25 January 1997

Mushtaq has doubts if players will play against India

By Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI, Jan 24: Pakistan cricket manager Mushtaq Mohammad has reservations if leading players will be available for May`s tour of India. He, however, hailed the decision to revive cricket ties between the two countries. "It has been a major breakthrough in recent times. It is very necessary for the game as well as for the relations that Pakistan and India exchange tours," Mushtaq said while talking to his correspondent.

Mushtaq, nevertheless, was unsure if star cricketers will be available to tour India in May. "I think most of the players are committed in England. While some will be playing in County Championships, others have signed with clubs."

Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Mushtaq Ahmad and Mohammad Akram are signed with Lancashire, Glamorgan, Somerset and Northamptonshire respectively while Mohammad Zahid, Saqlain Mushtaq, Shahid Nazir and Ijaz Ahmad Senior have signed with some clubs in league cricket, Mushtaq said.

The English cricket season starts in the third week of April. "The players who will play in England have informed their respective managements that they will be available after the two-Test series against Sri Lanka late in April. But this latest development might put them on a tricky wicket," Mushtaq said.

Mushtaq stated that he himself came to know about the tour to India only upon return. "In fact, it is you who is telling me that we have to go to India. Neither me nor the players know anything about this from official sources."

However, Mushtaq said it was upto the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to think what they have to do. "I think it is their (PCB) job to decide their line of action-leave out those players, send a second string or request the English clubs to release the players for two more weeks."

Majid Khan, Chief Executive, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on his last visit to Karachi had told newsmen that he would not force the players to play for Pakistan. "It will purely be their decision if they want to play or not. We will not force anyone to play for Pakistan." Mushtaq, the former captain, emphatically denied Press reports that he has been issued a show cause notice. He also categorically denied any relations with a Dutch lady. "These are baseless and speculative reports."

Mushtaq joined hands with skipper Wasim Akram when he said he would like to manage the team in the next World Series Cup but if there were Test matches also. "I see little point in travelling so far just to play one-day matches," Mushtaq said, adding: "At least three Tests and the WSC make a perfect combination as the players will be constantly playing top level cricket."

Wasim Akram said: "Last year, the West Indies came for one-day series and returned without making to the finals. There is so much gap between the first phase and the second that the players get stalled. Side matches don`t fulfil the purpose."

Mushtaq had all praise for his boys who played and won under very difficult circumstances. "First of all, we lost Salim Malik in Pakistan, then Saeed Anwar had to return without playing and by the time two replacements arrived we had reached a do-or-die situation. It has been a remarkable performance from the team which comprised mostly players who had little international exposure."

Mushtaq said the victory in the World Series was chiefly because of the combination and understanding. "The boys were eager to perform well while Wasim Akram, who has matured a lot as a captain, handled the players brilliantly. It was a team effort and every individual deserves appreciation."

YAWAR SAEED: Despite injury problems Pakistan team showed commitment and fought well to take the title in the triangular contest at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. These observations were made here on Friday to sports scribes by Pakistan tour manager Yawar Saeed on his return from Australia and showered praise on the team for their win. "This was the most talented and attractive team playing for Pakistan," Yawar Saeed complimented. He said it was honour to attach to such a team.

When asked about compliments from the Australia media, he said during the Press conferences with captain after Pakistan won the second final, Australia media stood up and clapped the team for their showing and declared them best ambassadors. He said when Pakistan won the first final in Sydney Australian Prime Minister came to the Pakistan dressing room and personally congratulated the members of the team.

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