Saqlain should continue as captain till World Cup: Asif Bajwa

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Lahore, May 30 (UNI) His volatile temperament notwithstanding, Muhammad Saqlain is the most experienced member in the side who commands respect and Pakistan should continue with him as the captain till the World Cup, said coach-cum-manager Asif Bajwa.

''Saqlain is my most experienced player. He is a key member of the team and has been doing a fine job as captain which is why I obviously want him to lead Pakistan in international events including the World Cup,''said the former Olympian, who has been appointed the chief coach-cum-manager of the team till the September World Cup in Germany.

Saqlain was anointed following the retirement of former skipper Waseem Ahmad after the 2004 Champions Trophy and he led Pakistan to an eight-nation tournament triumph in Holland last August.

He was later found guilty by a FIH disciplinary committee of intentionally hitting an Australian player in a Hamburg Masters match and was slapped a three-match ban.

His violent temper also cost him a place in the 2004 Athens Olympic team after the then coach Roelant Oltmans fired him for intentionally hitting fellow midfielder Adnan Maqsood during a training session.

Bajwa, however, is not worried with this aspect of Saqlain and asserted, ''He is the best man for the job. He commands respect among his fellow players and knows how to deliver under pressure.

''I have been working as the team's coach for almost a year and a half now and can vouch for Saqlain. He is a hard-working player who is disciplined and committed,'' Bajwa added.

UNI XC AY PM DS1315

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