KARACHI: Former Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood has claimed that inappropriate gym training had cost injury-prone paceman Hasan Ali his fitness and his place in the team. Terming his tenure as satisfactory, the former bowling coach said that results during their time were quite good.

Azhar further said that the fast bowler broke his back by lifting excessive weights in gym training.

“Hasan was not injured while playing on the field, he broke down in the gym training session. Hasan was made to perform deadlifts with 130 kilograms while earlier he was carrying out the same excercise with about 100 kg. I am not naming anyone but stating the obvious reason of Hasan’s fitness issues,” Azhar said.

He added that injuries to younger pace bowlers are due to lack of first-class cricket experience.

“The more one bowls, the better he will get. This first class structure, with Kookaburra balls, asking both faster and spin bowling to deliver longer spells, this is indeed very good for the bowlers,” the former Pakistan all-rounder said.

Azhar, however, said that number of first-class outfits should be increased from the present six to ten.

“With regards to Pakistan’s population, six is too less a number. I believe there should be ten first class outfits with a proper supply chain underneath,” Azhar said. “A second XI followed by under-19 and under-16 outfits under a first-class team, in a region, would effectively serve the purpose.”

Azhar admitted an ‘intelligent’ bowler like Tabish Khan missed out playing for Pakkstan, which is unfortunate.

“After joining the Pakistan team as bowling coach we summoned top fast bowlers of the first-class circuit. Tabish Khan, Sadaf Hussain were part of the bunch but in the end Mohammad Abbas was picked for his ability to deliver longer spells with consistency. Tabish is a smart bowler who knows how to deliver but sometimes luck doesn’t favour you,” Azhar remarked.

Azhar also defended his dual responsibility as national bowling coach and as a franchise — Karachi Kings — coach simultaneously, adding that it could be tough for the head coach for sure.

“Recently I was having a word with Andy Flower [head coach of Multan Sultans] who explained how it could be very difficult and challenging for a national head coach to manage the same spot with a franchise,” recalled Azhar. “I am not specifically referring to Misbah or Mickey Arthur, but I think it’s very hard for an individual to carry out both responsibilities effectively.”

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2020