Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Qadir discussed the aims behind PCBs Talent hunt scheme, the quality of talent on display so far as well as the current standards of spin bowling in Pakistan.

By Amir Husain (20th June, 2012)

 

The term “natural talent” is one that is heard quite often in any discussion related to Pakistani cricket. For a country of nearly 170 million people with weak infrastructure to support cricket at the grassroots, Pakistan has done remarkably well to produce a steady stream of world beating talent over the years in the shape of great sportsmen like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Javed Miandad to name a few.

Whereas reliance on God Given talent has served Pakistan well so far, there are concerns that the country’s supply line of endless talent is running dry and is unable to keep up with the demands of the modern game. The Pakistani talent machine is running on reserve fuel and coupled with catastrophic events such as the banning of Pakistan’s premier bowling duo of Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Amir is facing a challenge that the Pakistan Cricket Board is struggling to counter.

In recognizing the inability of good talent to surface from the much maligned domestic structure, the PCB has taken ground breaking steps towards a much more proactive role to uncovering new talent. Harnessing the experience of some of Pakistan’s most well known and knowledgeable cricketers, the PCB has decided to organize the “PCB Skill Consultant Program”.

This scheme which runs from June to September involves three well known Pakistani Cricketers - Sarfraz Nawaz, Abdul Qadir and Ijaz Ahmed – who will visit 16 cities around the country and identify the most talented players aged between 17-25. The result of these camps will be a shortlist of around 20-25 players who will then be requested to participate in a 4 week Advanced Coaching Camp at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore.

Whilst Ijaz Ahmed and Sarfraz Nawaz will bring their considerable experience to bear in selecting talented batsmen and fast bowlers, Abdul Qadir has been entrusted with unearthing Pakistan’s next generation of spinners.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Qadir discussed the aims behind PCBs Talent hunt scheme, the quality of talent on display so far as well as the current standards of spin bowling in Pakistan.

Over the years, PCB has been the subject of a lot of criticism on its inability to create conditions conducive for recognition of fresh talent. Abdul Qadir, however, believes that PCBs current initiative which uses experienced players as talent scouts is a step in the right direction and deserves praise.

“It’s the first time that such a scheme has been organized in the history of Pakistani cricket. I feel that all the great cricketers of our times, who have been blessed with fame due to services they have rendered to the nation, should really come forward and help out in this scheme. Such an initiative should have been organized before as well and it’s to the credit of Mr. Zaka Ashraf and PCB that this has come to fruition" stated Qadir

“I believe that it’s a great idea to use established players, who have served the nation with devotion and honesty, to employ their vast experience to discover talent round the country. There is nothing better, in my view, if such young cricketing talent can be exposed to us by appearing in trials under the watchful eyes of some of Pakistan’s best players.”

Having attended camps in two of Pakistan’s major urban centers, Peshawar and Rawalpindi, Qadir was highly impressed by the enthusiasm on display by the participants. Whilst some pace bowlers and batsmen may have impressed Ijaz and Sarfraz, the quality of spin talent on display did not overly excite Abdul Qadir. He, however, was hopeful that with expert guidance the raw talent could be turned into world class spin bowlers.

“I saw some very good bowling talent in both Peshawar and Islamabad but have to say that in terms of the standard of spin, none of the bowlers really made an impression on me. However, with hard work and training imparted by seasoned professionals, we hope that such talent can be refined and turned into excellent players. In terms of interest, we found that due to the huge number of youngsters who showed up, even 2 days in Peshawar wasn’t enough! We had some children who belonged to poor families but with immense talent so it’s a shame that we didn’t have enough time to spend with them. This is an aspect of the program that we have to think about as we will need to allow more time for each venue to do justice to the talent and interest in this scheme. “

Known for his “out of the box” thinking during and after his playing days, Abdul Qadir has never displayed any qualms in sharing his revolutionary ideas to improve Pakistani cricket. With the eyes of the PCB focused towards ways of improving the quality of talent in Pakistan, Abdul Qadir presented his own proposal to enhance the standard of cricket in the country stating that “I have mentioned this many times before and would like to reiterate to the Chairman of PCB Mr. Zaka Ashraf that we should use the “raw” talent which, from time to time, is sent to the National Cricket Academy using the regional and departmental route. Such talent, which includes the country’s best bowlers, batsmen and wicket keepers should be organized into a team which should represent the PCB in grade 2 cricket. Another such PCB team of slightly higher caliber – once again comprising of the best players in Pakistan - should also be formed and asked to play in high grade tournaments such as The Quaid-e-Azam trophy. Players from such teams would be identified as belonging to the nation and formation of such teams would be the greatest gift to the nation by the PCB. I sincerely hope that Mr. Zaka Ashraf will pay heed to my recommendations.”

The art of Leg Spin in Pakistan reached great heights in the playing days of Abdul Qadir. Apart from Mushtaq Ahmed and from time to time Danish Kaneria, Pakistan has always struggled to find a worthy successor to the spin maestro and this is of particular concern to Abdul Qadir.

“In my view, leg spin in Pakistan needs special attention. Infact, the PCB should set up an academy specifically for spinners , especially legspin. I will be more than happy to be involved in this project and will do my utmost – even if I have to go to every part of Pakistan to discover and groom legspinners. This is one form of bowling that can win you matches in any conditions. We should not let this art (legspin) fade away as this has brought great fame to our country.”