Inzi calls on the original Capt Cool

Legendary allrounder and former skipper Imran Khan will give a pep talk to the India-bound Pakistan cricket team at Lahore’s National C...

Legendary allrounder and former skipper Imran Khan will give a pep talk to the India-bound Pakistan cricket team at Lahore’s National Cricket Academy a day before the team embarks on a 50-day tour.

The pep talk has been arranged on the request of Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. “Imran is an inspiration for every Pakistan cricketer and I hope his talk to my boys will certainly help them in their confidence and morale,” Inzamam said from Lahore.

Imran, a cricketer-turned-politician, led Pakistan to 1-0 victory over India in 1986. He, along with Wasim Akram and Fazal Mahmood had given lectures to the Pakistan cricket team last year before the home series against India. India won the three-Test series 2-1 and wrapped up the one-day series 3-2.

“I know a couple of hours are not enough. But Imran Khan is an institution and his words of wisdom will definitely motivate the boys ahead of such a demanding and grueling tour,” Inzamam said.

Inzamam added that he would separately meet the former Pakistan captain and discuss captaincy issues.

“He is my mentor and if the teacher wants an exclusive session with his pupil, I think it’s an honour for the student,” Inzamam said.

Ironically, Imran Khan has been critical of Inzamam’s captaincy. After accusing Inzamam of running away from the Melbourne and Sydney Tests against Australia citing back injury, he recently said nobody in Pakistan was willing to accept his mistake.

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“It’s sad that in Pakistan everyone, even President Musharraf, is unwilling to accept his mistakes. I say that because it is President Musharraf who formed the PCB which in turn appointed Inzamam-ul-Haq as captain. None of them realise that our poor performance is due to them also,” he had said earlier. The Pakistan cricket team will leave for New Delhi on Monday and will play the first of the three Tests at Mohali from March 8. The first of the six one-day internationals will be played at Kochi from April 2.

(PTI)