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Sports

Van Dort impresses Pak 'A' team coach
The lad who has nothing more to prove
By Bernie Wijesekera
"The Pakistan government is promoting sports at all levels but at the same time they also stress on studies too", said the manager of the Pakistani 'A' team Abdul Raqeeb in an interview with The Sunday Times, after their win over Sri Lanka 'A' team, in their first triangular one-day series match.

Raqeeb, has played first class cricket for 20 years and has captained the Karachi team. Thereafter he has served in various capacities as player-cum-administrator. "The game in Pakistan is spread among nine regions. As a team they all come under one umbrella representing the country. The Pakistan Cricket Board lays stress on their education, via the academy situated in Lahore. The young prospects are picked from the tournaments in the regions - Under-15, 17 and 19. It's strictly on merit (performance) and there is no outside influence".

"A good example is Shoaib Akthar. He's a real diamond. The temptation is to try and get a bit more out of him." "Wijatullah Wasti (the opener). He scored a stroke-filled 101 to steer Pakistan to win over Sri Lanka. Hasan Raja (batsman), Shaid Nazir (fast bowler), Misbah Ul Haq (capt. batsman), Riaz Afridi (fast bowler), Faisal Iqubal (batsman) are the players with international experience in the squad. The spinners in the squad are right arm leg-spinner Imran Tahir and Tahir Khan (off-spin). On this present tour we have picked a young side. More than winning they have much to learn on and off the field for their future betterment".

Speaking about his impressions on Sri Lanka cricket Raqeeb said "Your school cricket is of a high standard. They must be harnessed and accorded the facilities to be in continuity. Our next assignment will be a promotional tour of Namibia/Zimbabwe in May 2005".

Aquib Javed the head coach of the National Cricket Academy with abundant international experience is also the coach of the 'A' team. He made his debut in 1988 played in the 1992 World Cup final under Imran Khan in Melbourne Australia, when Pakistan beat England. He was one of the bowlers in the awesome trio Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Aquib Javed also coached the team that won the U-19 World Cup - 2003, in Dhaka.

He said "This is my fourth tour with the Pakistan team. Two were with the national team and one with the Under - 19 team. Coaching is not only the harnessing of the skills, you must also study player attitude, health and fitness. Then comes their progress report and the personal file. At the same time understanding and communication is vital. This includes family background of the respective players".

" Being the head coach of the National Cricket Academy in Lahore is a daunting task. However there are experienced persons to handle young lads at the academy.

Commenting on Sri Lanka 'A' team the Pakistan 'A' team coach said "It's a talented side. With guidance they should forge ahead. This tournament is giving them that much needed exposure. One can't perform miracles overnight. Left hander Michael Van Dort impressed with his batting. Paceman Dilhara Fernando, is quite lively. He tended to be wayward. He must have better control and bowl to a line to probe the batsmen. I see this as his main problem. He needs guidance and training at the nets".

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