July 11, 2007	Wednesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 25, 1428

LONDON, July 10: Saqlain Mushtaq says Rahul Dravid's men would prove tough customers in the coming Test series against England but the former Pakistan off-spinner is baffled that India does not have Harbhajan Singh in ranks.

He spoke of Harbhajan's impressive record and felt India could not afford to leave out match-winning off-spinner.

“How can your selectors drop a bowler of Harbhajan Singh's quality? He took wickets in heap against best sides. That is hallmark of great bowler,” he said. “It's only when you play quality sides and put in impressive performance for your team under pressure that truly reflects how good you are.”

Saqlain, granted British citizenship last week, felt cricketers were not treated well in Pakistan and India. “Unfortunately, in Pakistan and India, we do not treat our players well. It just takes one bad series to lose confidence of selectors. That's not how you should treat quality players.

“I have no doubts in my mind there's no dearth of talent in Pakistan and India.” He took a dig at way Boards functioned in both countries.

“Talent in these countries is amazing, but there's a problem with those running game. There are not enough opportunities to nurse raw talent. The system doesn't support players from grass root levels.”—Agencies