KARACHI, Oct 31: Inzamamul Haq, the Pakistan captain, has urged philanthropists to come forward and provide financial aid to Pakistan hockey goal-keeper Mohammad Qasim, who requires third surgery on his ruptured lungs.

Inzamam told reporters on Sunday that the Pakistan cricket team had made a donation of Rs200,000 to the ailing Qasim, who was hit in the chest during the national camp in Lahore last year by a rasping shot from full-back Ali Raza.

Since then Qasim, a member of the Sydney Olympic squad four years ago, has undergone two unsuccessful operations. But now doctors have advised him to have another surgery abroad to improve his prospects of playing hockey again.

"I take this opportunity to make an appeal to those people who are in position to help a national hockey star who needs financial assistance," Inzamam said. "There are some good people in our society who can help Qasim to overcome his suffering."