THE prime minister gave away Rs215 million as a reward to the ICC Champions Trophy winning Pakistan team — players, selectors and others who are quarrelling over their share (July 5).

This amount came not from the pocket of a sole monarch, but out of the coffers of a poor democratic country, which is neck deep in debt. What right did the prime minister have to squander taxpayers’ money without the consent of a committee for the purpose? Some esoteric law, byelaw, or a clause would be evoked in defence.

In Olympic Games medals and title, not money, are the real honour. Such a huge amount should have better been utilised for public welfare such as schools and healthcare at places where the players hail from.

It is time we established a sports museum with archives and a library. The museum should have retired and current players’ memorabilia.

Money is an anathema to sportsman’s spirit. This leads to gambling. We definitely have some blacklisted players. Sports ought not to be money-spinners. We have to save our players from such temptations.

Will the pampered players come forward for such a permanent location by donating a part of their gift?

Moinuddin Khan
Karachi

(2)

TALENTED batsman Sarfraz, recently appointed Pakistan’s Test captain, has signed for Yorkshire as an overseas player for the NatWest T20 Blast, and he will play almost in five T20 Blast matches for the Yorkshire team which is currently second in the North Group of the Blast.

According to a report, Sarfraz replaces Australian Peter Handscomb, who is scheduled to attend a training camp ahead of Australia’s tour of Bangladesh though that series could yet get caught up in the ongoing pay dispute.

I would like to congratulate him for the opportunity to show his talent.

M.B.P. Baloch
Kech

(3)

THE Champions Trophy victory has been rightly celebrated in Pakistan on a grand scale. In this celebration, gifts of millions of rupees have been given to the players.

We often see old players in pathetic condition in old age. I suggest to our players to establish a fund for their seniors in need. This can be easily done by donating a certain percentage of their gift money to this fund.

This will be an insurance for them in the later part of their lives.

Fared Zuberi
Lahore

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2017