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| August 12, 2006 | Saturday | Rajab 16, 1427 |
Imran will make a good prime minister, says Zaheer
LONDON, Aug 11: Having known Pakistan's cricket legendary Imran Khan ‘in and out’ since playing days, Zaheer Abbas says his former captain would make a good Prime Minister for Pakistan but doubts that journey to political top would be that easy for ‘clear-hearted fellow’.
“I know him very well. We shared rooms for many years. I know him in and out, and if he thinks that one day he is going to be Prime Minister then good luck to him,” Zaheer told The Independent.
“He would serve the nation well, he is a very clear-hearted fellow. It will not be easy for him, but he has told me that he has already been offered prime ministership of Pakistan, and that something happened to prevent it.
“ I don't know. Time will tell,” he added.
Zaheer, who is manager of Pakistan team currently in England for Test and One-day International series, says though he is disappointed with 0-2 Test series loss, he would not blame players for it.
“They (the boys) tried their level best. We are not too downhearted. Whatever is done is done, and we know we can do better at the Oval, in some areas particularly.
“We need to rely less on Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan and Inzamam-ul-Haq.
“Our openers need to stay at the wicket for longer,” former captain said.
Unhappy with accommodation being provided to his team, Zaheer said Pakistan could provide for better hotels to touring teams.
He said players have felt uneasy staying at hotels where air conditioning has not worked properly.
“The hotels in Pakistan are much, much better. The rooms are bigger and airconditioner always works,” he added.
About Monty Panesar- mania which has gripped Britain, Zaheer says left-armer still has lots to prove before he can be called best in the world.
“He is coming along well, but I can't say that he is suddenly one of the best bowlers in the world.
”He is still learning, and still has much to prove.”
Reacting to ‘traitor’ calls directed at England pacer Sajid Mahmood — whose origins are from Pakistan — Zaheer said bowler did well to use provocation as a motivator.
“It happens. It is one of those things. But he is playing for England and good luck to him.
“I think he used it (abuse) to motivate himself.
“He had not bowled well before Headingley, but there he was right on the box.”
—Agencies
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