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interview Striving for excellence
After the Thrash Metal
From Colombo with admiration
Crown jewel of Malaysian hockey
interview Follow your passion Jalaluddin may have not played much for Pakistan during his younger days but he is currently playing a role that sets him apart from many of the country’s ex-Test cricketers By Khalid Hussain In a country
where cricket is perhaps the biggest passion for a vast majority, I’ve
always found it quite surprising that most people attached to this
magnificent sport are hardly passionate about it. I’ve met several
leading cricket officials, organisers, umpires and even players who have
little or no interest in the development or promotion of the sport. But, thankfully,
Jalaluddin was a different experience altogether. The former Test fast
bowler may have not played much for Pakistan during his younger days but
he is currently playing a role that sets him apart from many of the
country’s ex-Test cricketers. He is instrumental in running various
cricket academies in Karachi where hundreds of kids are getting
top-notch training and coaching. And several of them get it for free.
From the modest locality of Korangi to the posh Phase 6 area of DHA,
Jalaluddin and a team of qualified coaches are working overtime to groom
talented young boys into world-class cricketers. His message for them is
simple: Just follow your passion. Here are some excerpts of my interview
with Jalaluddin. TNS: How do you define
a cricket academy? Jalal: Cricket academy
is a vast term which means a place where all cricket facilities are
available like nets, fitness gym, track, cricket ground, lecture room,
accommodation, dining facility, changing room and many more. Besides, a
cricket academy should run ‘player development programmes’ for
different age groups with specific objectives and time period. The
programmes should be delivered by qualified officials through a proper
syllabus. A cricket academy should also organise training programmes for
coaches, umpires, curators etc. TNS: What ingredients
does it take to become a good coach? Jalal: I believe that
it takes several ingredients to make a good coach. He should have
playing experience at the top level. Along with coaching qualification,
he should have the ability to use various kinds of technologies
available today. Then having man management skills is very important.
You should also have thorough knowledge of the game. A good coach should
also be physically fit and blessed with effective communication skills. TNS: Are there any
good academies in Pakistan? Jalal: There are only
two proper cricket academies in Pakistan which fulfill the term
‘cricket academy’. They are the National Cricket Academy in Lahore
and the Customs Cricket Academy in Karachi. Other so-called academies
merely provide training on a day-to-day basis. These can be described as
cricket training schools. TNS: When and why did
you decide to become a coach? Jalal: Cricket is my
passion. Soon after my retirement as a professional cricketer, I decided
to become a professional coach. I strongly believed that a modern day
coach needs competence and proper qualification. That’s why I opted to
do coaching courses from England and Australia. I did my level-1
coaching course from UK back in 1998. TNS: How good is the
Customs Cricket Academy? Jalal: Customs Cricket
Academy is a non-commercial organisation which is regarded among the
best academies in Pakistan on the basis of its quality coaching, its
equipments, facilities and its central location. It has a number of
national and international events to its credit. It has also helped
develop many national players including Rashid Latif, Mohammad Sami,
Hassan Raza, Fawad Alam, Naveed Latif, Rana Naveed-ul-Hassan and many
more. Customs Cricket Academy is the only Cricket Academy approved by
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). TNS: What role can it
play in the development of cricket? Jalal: It has already
done a lot of cricket development work as well as players and coaches’
development programmes for Pakistan cricket. It has all capacity and
facilities to run and deliver any kind of training programme relate to
players and coaches. TNS: Tell us about
CCA's history? Jalal: The Customs
Cricket Academy was officially inaugurated by Mr Waqar Hasan, one of the
members of Pakistan’s first-ever Test team on May 14, 1999. Since then
the academy is flourishing as an institution. At present the academy is
well known for having qualified and competent coaches, high-tech
equipment, latest facilities including modern gymnasium, and accessible
location. Pakistan Cricket Board recognises this academy due to its
standard and method of coaching young cricketers. CCA also has numerous
national and international events to its credit. TNS: When and why did
you form Vital Five? Jalal: The Vital Five
Cricket Club was formed in February last year. The primary reason why we
have established this club is because a proper ‘club culture’ is
totally missing in Karachi which is one of the handicaps for the sport
in this city. I’m trying to revive this culture through Vital Five.
The idea is to turn it into a model club for others to follow. TNS: What does Vital
Five stand for? Jalal: A player is
developed in five vital areas of the game — Technical, Tactical,
Physical, Mental and Lifestyle. Keeping in mind the five vital
ingredients of the game, the club was named Vital Five Cricket Club. All
players associated with Vital Five have these five ingredients and apply
them during matches. TNS: Why does Pakistan
cricket lack professionalism? Jalal: The main reason
is a sheer lack of competitive cricket at all levels. Then there is no
accountability. Our cricket chiefs lack the ability to plan on a
long-term basis. Our players are mostly uneducated and go through a
development system that is really poor. TNS: How can we create
a proper cricketing culture in Pakistan? Jalal: The present
cricket set-up needs to be modified. We have to follow the golden rule:
Right man for the right job. All stake-holders including PCB and
associations will have to exhibit will and passion to promote the game.
We will have to invest funds on grassroots and First-Class cricket.
Ninety percent of our funds should go into development but that’s not
happening right now. TNS: Why is that the
PCB fails to meet its targets in spite of spending millions of rupees? Jalal: The basic
problem is lack of strategic planning. They are too many incompetent
officials working for the Board. There is a lack of vision and an
abundance of poor decision-making. TNS: What steps should
it take to do a better job? Jalal: We have to
start by appointing the right man for the right job. Khalid Hussain is
Editor Sports of The News, Karachi Khalid.hussain@thenews.com.pk
Striving
for excellence It was in 2009
that Jalaluddin realized his dream of setting up a cricket academy for
the less-privileged youth of Karachi. On a warm August day, Arif Ali
Khan Advocate, Nazim of Korangi Town, laid the foundation stone of the
Jalaluddin Cricket Academy in Korangi. ‘This
state-of-the-art academy will enable the youngsters of this fast
developing area to learn the basics of cricket. The academy will also
play its role in a decisive manner towards the development and promotion
of cricket at the grassroots level which will help us in harnessing the
talent of future cricket stars,’ says Jalaluddin, who created history
by recording the first-ever hat-trick in One-day Internationals. ‘Some of the salient
features of the Jalaluddin Cricket Academy will be free coaching for the
under-privileged cricketers of Korangi Town by a staff of
highly-qualified coaches, use of latest technology like video analysts,
proper training programs for different age groups and provide facility
for modified cricket game and set up Indoor Cricket in JCA.’ The JCA is not the
only success achieved by Jalaluddin since turning to coaching after
quitting as a professional cricketer. The 53-year-old Jalaluddin is also
the key figure behind the highly successful Customs Cricket Academy (CCA).
Since its inception, CCA has achieved major success in Pakistan and
abroad. Some of CCA’s achievements include: *
Grade-II Patrons Trophy title - 1995 *
Benson & Hedges Cup in Malaysia - 1997 *
One Day National Finalists - 1999-2000. *
Patrons Trophy title - 2000-2001 *
Nissan Cup U-15 title in Sharjah - 2005. *
Dolphin Cup U-15 title in Sharjah - 2006. *
Ramzan Festival Flood- Lit *
One Day National Finalist - 2006-2007. *
Nelson Mendis U-15 Trophy in Sri Lanka 2007. *
Nelson Mendis U-15 Trophy in Sri Lanka 2009. ‘Our aim is to
strive for cricketing excellence,’ says Jalaluddin. ‘For that a lot
of hard work and dedication is required. Thankfully our players and
coaches are always ready to give their best.’ bilalsports86@yahoo.com
After the
Thrash Metal Pakistan had
an outstanding day at the office last Sunday. They T20-ied South Africa
like few sides have, dismissing the hosts for their lowest total in the
shortest version of the game —even before the 13th over of a chase on
placid Centurion turf was dusted. But if a day’s
prowess at a Thrash Metal party can tide over the failure to appreciate
the class of Mozart then there is a case for getting one’s head
examined. Test cricket, as we have unceasingly learned over the ages, is
the real thing. The next sensible form on the ladder are the one-dayers,
for, there is still some method involved. Lest yours truly be
mistaken as an opponent of the literally, coloured version a.k.a. as
T20, I love it to bits ó- like kids do junk food but with the knowledge
it does nothing for a health bulletin. Against this backdrop,
the profuse celebration that erupted in the Pakistani ranks following
the solitary T20 win — after the first one was washed out — as the
harbinger of good fortune defies logic. But then, who can accuse us of
partiality to common sense; we are, a Shahid Afridi nation, after all! Like him we like to
suspend belief when going out to bat. Word is out that Humayun Saeed is
raring to jump on the bandwagon with a new flick called Mey Shahid
Afridi Hoon although given our national tendency to thrash metal at
Mozart, we would probably be more interested in Mahnoor Baloch’s item
number in MSAH! To return to the
subject, Mohammed Hafeez led the T20 buzz with a commanding performance.
But if he was quite the rock star on field, missing was the mien of a
composed leader off it at the post-match presser. It was as if he was
waiting to win a battle to tide over the humiliation of a lost war. He
has been in the game long enough to know one swallow does not a summer
make. Cricket fans these
days are cleverer than what the professor thinks he might have tweaked
in his defence of poor form in the Test series. “Good balls”, not
technique, did him in, Hafeez claimed. This for a man whose feet had
stopped moving against Dale Steyn and off whom he took only five runs
while getting out four times in the three Tests! Given to exaggerated
notions, the T20 captain seems to have overlooked the fact that South
Africa are in a transition in the shortest version, and have the courage
to experiment by withholding their best players for the extended form.
Hashim Amla, Jacque Kallis, Dale Steyn and the injured Morne Morkel did
not feature in the line-up at Centurion. These stalwarts, along
with Graeme Smith, will be back for the ODIs, and this is where Pakistan
will have a fair opportunity to learn just where they stand. On paper,
the tourists can certainly back their credentials but any fruitful
translation will require them to punch above their current weight. This brings me to
selection matters, on which there is a discernible question mark. Iqbal
Qasim has a reputation for exercising those grey cells but on the
evidence of lining up players for this series, he appears to have found
feet of clay. Deserving perhaps, of
a separate piece but since brevity won’t hurt either, one would like
to point out how he and his fellow selectors chose Umar Amin for the ODI
and T20 formats when focus around him pertains to his ability in the
longer version, where he hasn’t been given a second run after the
testy 2010 England debut. Ironical considering how badly Pakistan need
someone at the Test level to find his feet (Amin is a left-hander to
boot). Also, how does one
explain the raw deal handed out to the bold and talent-beautiful Ahmed
Shehzad? Make no mistake, he is an impact player, who actually set up
the road show in the T20 for others to come in and excel. One dare say,
there are forces unwilling to give him a fair run — the reluctant
one-down Hafeez, for instance, who fears if Shehzad cements his place as
opener it will come at his expense. Hafeez, who selfishly
had Shehzad all but run out but for that rare lapse by the Proteas (they
however, succeeded a little while later, again because of Hafeez poor
call), needs to realize Shehzad could be his go-to man not too far in
the distance now that Misbah is in the twilight of his career. Shehzad
is also an outstanding fielder as he showed with his magical grasp twice
in the only match he got to feature on the tour. With a rejuvenated
South African team taking the field on Sunday (today), the limits of
Pakistan’s T20 freedom will be tested. The writer is a former
editor of The News based in Islamabad. He may be reached at kaamyabi@gmail.com
A caption Ahmed Shehzad... is an
impact player caption Mohammad Hafeez...
should know one swallow does not a summer make
From Colombo
with admiration I
have always had a lot of time for Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), its
people and its cricket. I lived in this delightful island for five years
from 1998 to 2002 as the Regional Director of a transnational
corporation. Since relinquishing that assignment I have frequently
returned to this country for meetings/assignments/holidaying. The
country which had gone through the ravages of civil war for over a
quarter of a century has, since the war ended in mid 2009, been
completely transformed. The war had shattered the economy and shredded
the fabric of society of Sri Lanka. It is now bustling with business and
tourism activity. Roads have been re carpeted and expressways including
flyovers and underpasses constructed. The tourists are streaming in, in
droves. Hotels have been refurbished as have their tariffs. A room with
breakfast in a five star hotel which cost no more than US$60 pre-2009 is
now regarded economical if available for US$150. It was said that by
2011 Sri Lanka would require an extra 11000 hotel rooms. New hotels and
guest houses are still being built and commissioned. The North
and East are now open to all and the serene beaches of Trincomalee and
Batticaloa are attracting innumerable visitors both foreign and local,
as is Jaffna the historic capital of the northern province. The South
has a swanky new city called Hambantota which was demolished and almost
razed to the ground by the cruelty of the Tsunami. It now boasts of the
largest international cricket stadium in Sri Lanka as well as an
international airport to be inaugurated end March. It will be in the
fitness of things to mention that the city is the constituency of the
dynamic and popular President Mahinda Rajapaksa. There are also plans to
build new hotels, condominiums, offices and hospitals to cater for the
cricket activities as well as business and tourism. New expressways have
been completed or are approaching completion speedily. Colombo and Galle
are now connected by an expressway and the time between the two cities
has now been reduced to about 90 minutes compared to over 200 mins
previously. Super highways will also connect Galle to Matara and then on
to Hambantota. The highway from the
BIAirport (Katunayaka) to Colombo city which should open for traffic in
a few months’ time will reduce the journey from the current 75 minutes
to 35 minutes. About time as well since this project has been going on
for at least 25 years. The new picturesque marine drive in Colombo runs
parallel to the sea and boasts of apartment buildings, hotels and
restaurants. Under the leadership
of president Rajapaksa who is credited with having won the war against
the Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Elam, Sri Lanka has regained most of
it lost glory much to the relief and delight of the majority of the
population. The President’s brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa a retired army
officer who had migrated to USA and
is now Sri Lanka’s Secretary of Defence and Urban Development has
turned the capital into a sprawling well lit and well planned
metropolis. With peace and
tranquility back in Sri Lanka the bothersome security checkpoints and
closed roads have all disappeared and one drives around or walks around
with freedom and without fear. All sports grounds
have had their brick walls torn down and replaced by plastic coated wire
fences so that their beauty is now visible to the passers by. These
include Cricket Clubs in this city — Bloomfield, Colts, Colombo
Cricket Club, Tamil Union, The Carlton Sports , as well as those of
Schools and Colleges like Thurston, Wellesley, Royal, St. Thomas,
St Josephs to name but a few. Before you start
wondering if you are reading a travel guide on Sri Lanka I must hasten
to add that the country was a no go area for many nationalities for
almost 25 years. The Australians, New Zealanders, the English and the
West Indians refused to tour for the cricket assignments. In fact
Australia and the West Indies lost points in the 1996 World Cup when
they forfeited their matches scheduled in Colombo. And Sri Lanka won the
Cup by defeating Australia in the final at Lahore. It must also be added
that though Sri Lanka never withdrew from any cricket events, they did
not agree to play on “neutral” grounds against those teams scared of
making the journey to the island. Pakistan helped them out in their hour
of need not only in cricket but in economic, political and defence
fields. The Sri Lankans have not forgotten this and Pakistan is held in
high esteem by all. In cricket when any team refused to come Pakistan
and at times India filled in. This has been viewed with gratitude and
Sri Lanka are willing to reciprocate. I suppose they are waiting for
some one to approach them. The Honourable member of Parliament from
Kalutara and former Sri Lankan captain and Chairman of Cricket Sri Lanka
Arjuna Ranatunga is ever willing to be of assistance. Also favourably
inclined is the Honorable member from Matara former captain and current
Chairman of Selectors of CSL Sanath Jayasuriya. He demonstrated his
affinity towards Pakistan by leading an International XI for a couple of
matches successfully and efficiently arranged in Karachi last October. These days a lot is
going on in Sri Lankan cricket. From the signing of central contracts by
the players after some hiccups to the much awaited “battle” of the
school giants between Royal College and St Thomas’s College played at
the Sinhalese Sports Club Groud (SSC) on March 7. It is indeed a
spectacle to behold. The Bangladeshis have also arrived for a two Tests,
three ODIs and one Twenty20 series. The first Test kicks off at the
Galle International Stadium on the 8th March. Mahela Jayawardene would
be missing recovering from injury, but hopefully Kumar Sangakarra will
turn out for his country. Long drawn
negotiations had gone on between the players and the management over the
contracts. The players had demanded a big chunk of CSL’s earnings
besides an increase in salaries and allowances including Business Class
Fares for wives and children. It should be pointed out here that CSL
pays for the accommodation of families but refused fares for them. CSL
also wanted a deduction from the players salaries for the number of days
they will be absent on duty for Leagues, Bashes and whatever. Fair
enough. The players get an appearance fee of US$ 7500 for the Tests, US$
5250 for ODIs and US$3000 plus for Twenty20s. These are in addition to
the daily allowances applicable and the salaries as per the central
contracts. It is believed that Sanath Jayasuriya played a key role in
getting the players to see reason. It was he who told them to sign or
face being axed from the team. They relented and signed. And that was
that. The number of players in the top category has been increased to
seven. They are Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakarra, Angelo Matthews,
Tillakaratne Dilshan, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekra and Lasith Malinga,
Thilan Samaraweera who has expressed a desire to retire, and
wicket-keeper Prasanna Jayawardene have been placed in a special
category as they are not part of the squads for the series against
Bangladesh. It was refreshing to
see the seafood restaurant in Colombo called “Ministry of Crab”
owned by Kumar Sangakarra and his best friend Mahela Jayawardene. Sanath
Jayasuriya also owns a restaurant in Bambalapitiya called “Qbaa”
(try and work this one out). Lasith Malinga always fascinated by speed
is said to own eight fancy cars; and several houses. Other cricketers
also have houses, businesses and investments. They fully deserve all
this and more as long as they serve their country and continue to give
of their best. chishty.mujahid@yahoo.co.uk caption These days a lot is
going on in Sri Lankan cricket
Crown jewel
of Malaysian hockey One sporting
discipline Malaysia can be called the hub of international activity is
hockey. As a host of this sport, Malaysia has many distinctions. Along
with Holland and India it is the only country to have held the World Cup
twice. As far as the junior World Cup goes, Malaysia is the only one to
have hosted it more than once. They have held it three times, including
in 2009 when they were the co- hosts with Singapore. Malaysia was the first
country outside the big four — Pakistan, Holland, Germany and
Australia — to stage the Champions trophy, in 1993. They added yet
another feather in their cap when they hosted the first, and so far the
only, Intercontinental Cup in 1990 figuring selected teams from Asia,
Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Americas. As a team, Malaysia
have achieved success. Malaysian hockey’s finest hour was their fourth
position in the 1975 World Cup at home. Over the last few years, they
have achieved unprecedented successes. In 2010, they overcame a jinx
haunting them for five decades. Malaysia had been a perennial junior
bridesmaid at the Asian Games. In 13 editions before the 2010 Asiad’s
hockey tournament, they had won the bronze as many as seven times and
ended fourth thrice without playing the final even once. In their 14th
appearance, Malaysia defeated India in the semi-final. The 2010 Asiad
final against Pakistan was Malaysia’s first ever final in any global
or continental title event. Though they lost in the final, their first
silver meant the boys were received as heroes on return home. In 2012, the
Malaysians went a step ahead when they won the Junior Asia Cup — the
first ever continental title at senior or junior level. The man acknowledged
as the real spirit behind the Malaysian hockey is Sultan Azlan Shah, a
member of the royal family and the Raja of Perak State. He was also the
king from 1989-1994. (The country has a unique arrangement of kingship
being rotated among members of the royal family.) Azlan Shah remained an
active hockey player well into his sixties and an important event of his
birthday used to be a hockey match in which he himself participated. He
is presently the president of the Asian Hockey Federation and vice
president of the FIH. In recognition for his
great services, a tournament titled Sultan Azlan Shah Cup has been held
in Malaysia since 1983. The tournament has
become almost a yearly affair since 1994 and is presently the most
highly regarded invitational hockey event. Being invitational, it is not
always participated by all the top teams. Pakistan, India and South
Korea, hosts Malaysia and neighbours Australia and New Zealand have been
the more frequent participants. Pakistan have figured
regularly, except from 1995 to 1998, when the national team were not
sent to Azlan Shah Cup because of then secretary PHF Col Mudassir’s
greed for power. Mudassir was active in overt and covert efforts to
replace Sultan Azlan Shah from the latter’s seat of President Asian
Hockey Federation. This was really unfortunate since Azlan Shah has
always been a great admirer and supporter of Pakistan hockey. Before 1999, Azlan
Shah Cup had been a sort of a jinx for Pakistan. They had finished
runners-up in four out of five appearances with a third position on the
fifth occasion. Pakistan finally came
out of the hoodoo by winning the Cup in 1999. Then they became the first
nation to retain this cup by emerging victorious again the following
year — a feat later repeated by Australia and India. In 1999 in particular,
Pakistan exhibited superb display, thoroughly appreciated by the
Malaysian crowds. They won all their six matches by a margin of at least
two goals, pumping in 29 goals in total, a Pakistan record for the Azlan
Shah Cup. Sohail Abbas’
personal tally of 12 goals is also a Pakistan highest for this event. In 2001, Pakistan were
eyeing a hat-trick but performed miserably; unable to reach the medal
rostrum for the first time, finishing fourth. Moreover, they let in 25
goals, the highest Pakistan ever conceded in an international
tournament. They finished 1st, 2nd
and 3rd in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively. But in their next five
appearances, Pakistan failed to climb the podium: 5th, 6th, 4th, 4thand
5thin 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The Greenshirts
finally redeemed themselves in 2011 when they finished second. They
fully stretched the world champions Australia before losing via the
golden goal. The last year again saw Pakistan’s fortunes nosedive as
they had their worst ever result, finishing seventh among as many teams.
The 2012 Azlan Shah Cup saw a surprise winner in New Zealand who in
previous 12 appearances had never finished above the 3rd place. The six teams
featuring in this year’s edition are the top four Asian teams,
Pakistan, India, Malaysia and South Korea, plus Australia and New
Zealand. This makes the 22ndAzlan Shah Cup a totally Australasian
affair. In recent months,
Pakistan have achieved encouraging results: 3rd at the Champions Trophy
and 1st at the Asian Champions Trophy. For this tournament,
Pakistan are without veteran stars Waseem and Shakeel Abbasi, who have
been rested, while two other main players, M Rashid and Rizwan Sr, are
busy playing in the lucrative Dutch league. The head coach, Akhtar
Rasool states, “We are trying four new players”, although only one
is genuinely new. The brothers Imran Jr and Irfan Jr have toured with
the Pakistan seniors before while Salman Hussain was very much a part of
the Pakistan team at the Asian Champions trophy last December. Only the
Sargodha boy Tasawwar Abbas can be called a newcomer. Taking shield behind
“trying the new players”, Akhtar has already informed the fans not
to expect a podium place, which is outrageous. The event doesn’t
feature any European side. Apart from Australia, all sides are ranked
below Pakistan. And all the teams have selected new faces for this
non-title invitational tournament. India have left behind
six first-choice players, including their charismatic captain Sardara
Singh — recently declared ‘Asian Player of the Year’. Australia
are carrying only three from the 2012 Olympic team. There is no reason
Pakistan shouldn’t aim for the podium if not the final. ijaz62@hotmail.com Country-wise Roll of
Honour Country
Appearances Gold Silver Bronze Australia
12
6
2
3 India
16
5
1
5 Pakistan
18
3
6
2 South Korea
16
2
4
2 Germany
8
2
3
1 Argentina
4
1
1
0 New Zealand
13
1
0
4 England/Great Britain
8
1
0
2 Netherlands
2
1
0
0 Malaysia
21
0
3
1 USSR
1
0
0
1 captioon Sohail Abbas' personal
tally of 12 goals is also a Pakistan record for this event |
|
