Pakistan can beat England: minister

Published September 6, 2005

ISLAMABAD, Sept 5: Federal Sports Minister, Muhammad Ajmal Khan, said on Monday the newly-adopted sports strategy would be fully implemented. The sports strategy is the milestone in the promotion of games and will be implemented in letter and spirit,” the minister said in comments on prevailing sports scene, also throwing his weight behind Inzamamul Haq for inclusion in World XI and sounding confident of Pakistan’s chances at home against England later this year.

“Through sport strategy, we want to extend sports activities to the far-flung areas like Fata and Northern Areas,” Ajmal said.

“Although England team is very strong and in prime form, yet Pakistan is capable of defeating them in the upcoming home series,” he said.

“Keeping in mind the present performance of the England against Australia, it will be a very tough contest for Pakistan. The players mentally, physically and technically must be sound and strong to overcome England,” he added.

About Inzamam, he said the Pakistan skipper should have been in the World XI on merit.

“Inzamam is a star batsman and we are all concerned about his exclusion.

“We have protested from the platform of Senate Standing Committee on Culture and Sports.

“Being Sports Minister, I am as disappointed as other Pakistanis are regarding Inzamam’s omission,” he said.

The minister hailed the distribution of cash awards and medals to the players.

“The present government is very keen in the promotion of all sports and this distribution of cash is very positive step in this behalf.”—APP

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...