The training Camp for the Pakistan squad selected for Sharjah Cup, which began yesterday, got into full swing on Tuesday at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. All the fifteen players had joined the camp and were seen in action.

The eight day camp will last till October 22, and the Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for Sharjah on October 23. The team will acclimatize and practice in local condition especially under the flood lights which require slight adjustment.

The manager of Pakistan Team, Yawar Saeed, while briefing the newsman at the Gaddafi Stadium sounded upbeat about the general fitness and form of the players who have all come direct from playing in the current domestic cricket competition. A one day, day and night matrch will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, on Friday (October 19, 2001), he said. PCB has been asked to name seven players to make two teams for the proposed match.

Asked by newsman about the fitness of players or whether any medical check ups were planned, he said, the players were all in fine condition after appearing regularly in the domestic cricket, However medical checkups were a regular and on-going feature in the team.

He also had a word of praise for the new team coach, Mudassar Nazar, whom he described as a great team man whose balanced temperament will win him instant support of the players. Each person had his own individual style and temperament and he was sure Mudassar will do a great job with his high professional ability and experience.

The team he said, had been prepared well for the season, before the cancellation of New Zealand team's tour to Pakistan. The players are no picking up the thread right from where they left to prepare for there coming matches. Apart from improving in various cricketing skills and maintaining their fitness, the emphasis is now also on making them mentally strong.

It is very much a mind game now, he said, and all possible efforts are being made to make up for this deficiency which is of vital importance. He said that Shoaib Akhtar, who earlier had lacked match practice after playing matches appeared in good shape and form.

Another thing he said was to evolve a proper strategy to make up for the loss of Inzamam-ul-Haq, in the initial two matches, with a new batting order. This and other strategies he said were being addressed by the team through a collective planning whose results will be visible in the coming matches.


Khalid Butt
Media Manager
October 16, 2001

© PCB