ISLAMABAD Erstwhile batting great Inzamam-ul-Haq feels that former captain Saleem Malik should be given a second chance to serve Pakistan by helping young cricketers with his experience. “It is unfortunate to see that his career ended like that. It should not have ended that way. But I believe he deserves a second innings [chance] to do something for the country,” Inzamam said in a video message on his YouTube channel. Malik, 57, was banned for life from cricket in 2000, following allegations of offering bribe to some Australian cricketers to underperform in 1994-95 Karachi Test. A local court in Lahore, however ruled in his favour and overturned the ban in October, 2008. Giving example of former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin, Inzamam said that the ex-Indian batting legend also faced similar charges, but after lifting of ban he again started to serve his country and currently was Hyderabad Cricket Association’s president. “Similarly, as Saleem Malik’s that time has passed [ban is lifted], he should also be seen on the ground in some cricketing activity or at least he should appear on some TV channels for his expert opinion,” he said. According to Inzamam, Malik had a very sharp cricketing brain and was a great analyzer of a situation. “I’ve not seen anyone analyzing the situation like him. I think he [still] has enough material which he can pass on to the young players, either by coaching them or giving his opinion,” he said. Inzamam, who had been playing under Saleem Malik’s captaincy said that he enjoyed very cordial relations with him at that time. He said Malik’s record, both as a player and as a captain was quite impressive. He said Malik also had the ability to gauge a player’s potential and sometimes used tell them which batsman would score more runs or which bowler would take more wickets in an upcoming series. “I must say that 90 per cent of his those predictions proved correct,” he reflected.—APP
