May 18, 2003	Sunday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 15, 1424

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LAHORE, May 17: Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan described Fazal Mahmood, the great fast-medium bowler of yesteryear, as a role model for the young generation and a true national hero.

Speaking as the chief guest at the launching of Fazal Mahmood’s book From Dusk to Dawn at Quaid-i-Azam Public Library here on Saturday, Imran said details of Fazal’s great achievements in the early years of Pakistan’s Test cricket gradually narrated from people’s experience.

The book, published by Oxford University Press, according to Imran somewhat make up for the lack of extensive video clippings of the skills of the legendary paceman.

While paying tribute to the great man, Imran remarked that he heard the name of Fazal wherever he played across the globe.

Imran asserted that national heroes were necessary for the nation as they always give aspirations and set targets for the coming generation.

“Fazal’s performance just after the independence of the country in 1947 gave the nation a lesson that the young nation  has the ability to perform miracles after years of slavery,” he said.

The greatest achievements of the Pakistan team in the 1950s, Imran said, were a contrast to the poor showing of the Bangladesh team in the current period. “Bangladesh are struggling for victories  since 1999, but Pakistan had beaten the great sides like West Indies, England, Australia and India in early years.

“The only difference between the Bangladesh and those Pakistani teams was the presence of heroes like Fazal, Khan Mohammad, Hanif Mohammad and Abdul Hafeez Kardar,” Imran noted.

Hockey legend Munir Dar said that he worked under Fazal’s charge in the Police. Fazal had appointed him and Khawaja Zakauddin, another hockey Olympian in the Police. Munir said that  Fazal had always given priorities to fitness.

Former Pakistan Test wicketkeeper, Imtiaz Ahmad also spoke on the occasion. He said that as well as a great cricketer, Fazal was the most handsome man in the Pakistan team of those years.

Fazal was the first Pakistani to take ten wickets in a match against England, India, Australia and the West Indies. His 12 for 99 at The Oval in 1954 played a pivotal role in Pakistan defeating England.

Fazal made his debut in Pakistan’s inaugural Test series  in 1952-53 in India. From 1958-59 until 1960-61, he led Pakistan  in 10 Tests against the West Indies, Australia and India. Until 1977 he was the only bowler to have a 12-wicket Test haul under his belt.

After retirement from active cricket, Fazal also served as a national selector and conducted coaching camps at Gaddafi Stadium in the early 1980s.