The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Inzamam begins a new innings

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Inzamam begins a new innings

Special Correspondent

— Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

NEW ROLE: Inzamam-ul-Haq, who has turned a television host, with former player Nikhil Chopra in New Delhi on Saturday.

NEW DELHI: Gone is the harried look on his face; a captain, standing in the slips, as nonchalant as you could imagine.

As he addresses the media with the confidence that marked his regal occupation of the crease, Inzamam-ul-Haq, looking younger and much fitter, comes off as a man whose personality seems to have undergone a sensational transformation.

His one-liners that lit up his media interactions when leading Pakistan, have remained an integral part of his character. “I am beginning a new innings. Until now, I was at the receiving end of the critics. It is my turn now,” said the gentle giant from Pakistan, presented to the media here on Saturday as the new host for Zee News. Inzamam will host Junoon 2007.

Relaxed and relieved of the pressures that came with playing international cricket, Inzamam regaled the media with his views. The only time he lost his cool came from an insensitive query regarding match-fixing. Like a seasoned batsman, Inzamam deftly ignored the ‘beamer.’

Encouraging words

Inzamam had some kind words for the current Pakistan team. “The players are young but not weak. True, the teams that visited India in the past had more experience but this team has the drive to succeed.”

The former Pakistan captain defended stalwarts Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid continuing to play.

“Retirement is an individual’s decision and much depends on the fitness level and your performances. I don’t think these three have reached the stage to retire and I am sure they have a lot of cricket left. I am surprised to see Dravid not in the team. He is a great player.”

On the current rage of being aggressive, Inzamam said, “I was criticised for not being aggressive. One should be aggressive but there should be a limit to it. ”

Inzamam observed that cricketers from the sub-continent were often treated differently by the authorities. He welcomed the maturity that marked the spectator behaviour in matches involving India and Pakistan.

When asked whether he would play the Indian Cricket League or the Indian Premier League, the affable Pakistani said, “left to me, I would like to play in both.”

Future plans

On future plans, Inzamam said he was contemplating a “batting” academy.

“I played cricket as a batsman, it would be appropriate if I opened a batting academy.”

He wished M.S. Dhoni and Shoaib Malik well. “Dhoni is a good captain, very positive, takes his chances and backs his decisions. Malik is young, learning and he has a balanced head on his shoulders.”

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