Syed Mussarat Khalil

JEDDAH — Government’s involvement is must for the game of cricket to flourish in the Kingdom, according to former Pakistan Test cricketer and chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed.



Salahuddin, better known as “Sallu” among his friends and admirers, was in Saudi Arabia on a private trip. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, he expressed joy at being given a chance to see young players in action at a match organized by Aramco in Dammam. The former great gave tips to the budding cricketers after the game.



He was very impressed with the talent of the young expatriate cricketers. “I hope and pray that these youngsters achieve more success in future,” he said.



Salahuddin, who is also a former Pakistan chief selector, hailed the role Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC) is playing to promote cricket in the Kingdom, and advised the body to arrange coaching and training classes for Saudi youths at their schools with the support of Asian Cricket Council (ACC). “Without participation of local players and Saudi authorities, Saudi cricket will not prosper,” he said.



He assured SCC of his support and assistance and wished the Saudi team, preparing to participate in the forthcoming ACC tournament in Singapore next month, the best of luck.



Salahuddin expressed his unhappiness over the fight in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the chairman’s post. The power struggle is not healthy for the future of the game in the country, he said.



He hoped that the meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and new PCB chief Najam Sethi, would bear fruit. He said it was very important for the team to be mentally strong as it faces Sri Lanka in August. Pakistan is scheduled to play two Tests and three One-Day Internationals. Pakistan will then host Australia and New Zealand between Oct. 3 and Dec. 19 in the UAE. He said the players should focus on fitness and fielding.



Salahuddin played First-Class and Test cricket and was instrumental in many memorable wins for Karachi Cricket Association as well as PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) teams. He was a wicket-taking off-spinner and a reliable batsman. Sallu left for home Monday night.