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Pakistan's victory in Sharjah was the result of team spirit seen after a long time - the credit for which must be given to the captain whose confident leadership combined with adroit handling yielded the triumph. Wasim Akram once again proved that he has not passed his prime and fulfilled the expectations.

I have been saying all along that this invaluable asset ought to be really appreciated. By his performance Wasim has silenced his critics who keep criticizing him in and out of season. In this context cricket fans should not forget that Sharjah is a batting paradise where a bowler can only can contain runs, which he did admirably and adequately.

The way be bowled there not only impressed the onlookers but the experts. He has in a way ensured to hold the fort at one end till the 2003 World Cup. A plus point was his excellent fielding.

But unfortunately we are prone to degrade our heroes. Take the case of Shoaib Akhtar. Such players are real assets. He is the butt of frequent attacks from several quarters now and then. Sometimes his action is questioned, sometimes the expenses incurred to keep him fit is played up. If the PCB does not spend enough on the proper upkeep of players who in turn earn a lot for the board, the TV and advertisers, it will be guilty of an unpardonable lapse.

Coaching is another sector which is the topic of caring hounds. Geoff Boycott's engagement created a furore mainly on account of the fabulous investment that a man of his calibre definitely deserved. Now Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies captain, is coming for a similar assignment on a brief stint almost gratis to the best of my information. It will be a boon for our youngsters for which the board should be commended instead of being condemned.

Unlike the trend in sports circle all over the world to eulogise and lionise their heroes, we have sadly been besmirching their reputation and even humiliating them at times. Take the case of Jehangir Khan who may be bracketed with Pele and Mohammad Ali. Apart from being a legend, the great Khan is a man of exemplary integrity and honesty.

When he appeared in the British Open at the height of his career the betting ante used to be 1 to 100. If his faith had faltered he could have made millions at the expense of country which he never did.

The unhealthy tendency to belittle such stars and stalwarts is increasingly in evidence. Ironically Mr Arif Abbasi, the former chief of national carrier has come out to defend the destruction of such institutions. While doing so, he has forgotten the shabby treatment he meted out to Wasim Bari, Zaheer Abbas apart from Sohail Jaffer and Mahmood Hamid during his tenure as PIA boss. My apologies for this longish digression, but it was called for. There is, however, another sight to the scene where conceit assumes ridiculous proportions.

The new coach of the national cricket team, Mudassar Nazar has started nursing illusions about his capacity and capability. He has been constantly making claims that he wants to break Intikhab Alam's record. How funny and amazing this statement is. He has only toured Sharjah as coach where Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka were the opponents in favourable conditions. He is also taking credit for Wasim's bowling which Sikander Bakht could lay some claim as he had Wasim, Waqar and Shoaib as the trio under his tutelage.

Intikhab Alam met formidable challenges and commanded respect from outstanding players including Imran Khan. No doubt Mudassar is also respected for his standing in the same but he has a long way to go. I am not picking faults but how can he let go lapses like Shahid Afridi gliding the new ball towards third man with two slip fielders waiting for a chance.

This was a freak instance in Shahid's style of play which should have been immediately checked. Shahid Afridi is a national asset and no one would like to see him spoil his game.This technical howler is inexcusable. The forthcoming Bangladesh tour will be another opportunity for Mudassar to make tall claims. When Lt-Gen Tauqir Zia contradicted the impression that Mudassar will continue as coach till 2003, I give credit to general's understanding of the situation.

In conclusion I would like to say that players like Moin Khan a world record holder of 257 dismissals behind the stumps as well as Imran Nazir, the Jonty Rhodes of Pakistan, should not have received stepmotherly treatment at the hands of the Selection Committee. In my opinion the above mentioned players cannot be written off straightaway. If they do not have an assured place in the playing XI, specially Moin, but they certainly deserves consideration among 25 to 30 probables.

Pakistan has plenty of promise and abundant talent. With Waqar at the helm the country can surely make a brave bid for the top slot in the forthcoming World Cup.

© Dawn