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Salim Malik reports at training camp

By Our Sports Reporter

02 September 1997


KARACHI, Sept 1: Former captain Salim Malik reported at the national training camp being organised at two centres of the city. However, Ramiz Raja despite returning from London has not arrived here.

Salim Malik's late arrival by four days was because of the ailment of his mother, Haroon Rasheed said. The cricket manager added that Malik was fit ``and looked that he has done his home work despite being under mental and physical tension because of the sickness of his mother.''

Salim Malik actively took part in the training session and was also seen undergoing physical exercises and catching practice separately. However, vice-captain Saeed Anwar had a nasty day at the National Stadium where he had to cut short his batting session. ``I just couldn't concentrate because I was being abused from behind the nets. It was just awful,'' said Saeed Anwar later.

``There seems to be no security for the players. Last evening no less than 100 spectators were inside the ground and padded very hard on our backs,'' he added. Saeed Anwar urged the followers of the game to show discipline and patiently watch the players train for the gruelling season ahead. ``It encourages us when a lot of spectators turn up to see us train but causes a lot of inconvenience when they (spectators) abuse, pass bad remarks and inflict physical harm to us.

``It has been after a long time that a training camp has been organised in the city. And if they (spectators) don't change their attitudes, the local enthusiasts, in future, will be deprived of watching us,'' he added.

Saeed stated that the budding youngsters were learning a lot from watching the camp. ``They are learning exactly how to train and claim the fitness required in the game. In addition to this, some of the boys get chance to bowl at us,'' Saeed, who himself began and played cricket in Karachi, added.


Source: Dawn
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Date-stamped : 25 Feb1998 - 14:53