Miandad to train Bangladeshi cricketers

by Ershadul Huq

Legendary Pakistani batsman Javed Miandad is in Bangladesh to train Bangladeshi players.

Miandad, whose coaching was opposed earlier, said on arrival in Dhaka that cricket is more a mind game and he is going to share his experience with the Bangladeshis during his brief stint.

"Cricket is just not go and play on the field. It involves many things like mental strength, the ability to cope with different situations on and off the field," said Miandad, who has earlier coached Pakistan's national team.

During his two-week assignment, 42-year-old Miandad will impart training to different groups selected by the Bangladesh Cricket Board to help them improve batting skill and standards of fielding to those befitting a Test-playing nation.

Considered one of the finest batsmen that world cricket has produced, Miandad was delighted to be a part of the development process of the cricket-loving nation.

"I'm very happy to be associated with the development process of Bangladesh. The people here loved my batting and they always adored me whenever I visited Bangladesh previously," said Miandad.

He, however, did not elaborate his crash course. He said he would teach the boys whatever he has learned from the game. "I will teach them what I have learned. I think I have got enough time to do it and you might need not to invite me again," said Miandad.

Appreciating Bangladesh's performances in the England World Cup and the inaugural Test against India, Miandad said there are a lot of quality players in Bangladesh.

"I have seen them in action on a number of occasions. But what they need is self-belief and the temperament for proper application. It was unfortunate that they lost against India in the inaugural Test," said Miandad, the only cricketer to have played in all the first six World Cups.

Criticizing India's decision to sever cricketing ties with Pakistan, he said: "Sports should be kept out of politics. I do not want to think about what the politics of the two countries is going to do."

"But they must allow their players to be engaged in mock war, which, to me, is the most beautiful aspect of our life."

Anti-Pakistan interests in Bangladesh had opposed Miandad's appointment as coach of the home team after the country won the Test status.

Indo-Asian News Service

Mail Cricket Editor