Pakistan lacks a coherent, consistent policy: Azhar Mahmood

COLOMBO: One of the best all-rounders in the game at one time, Azhar Mahmood's career has been a chequered one. He started out brilliantly, hitting a century on his Test debut against South Africa, but lost his way before falling foul with the Pakistan Cricket Board. Now a British citizen, and busy playing T20 leagues all over the world, Mahmood took a few questions on SLPL and his career.
Excerpts:
Having played in T20 leagues all over the world, what's your impression of the Sri Lanka Premier League?
The quality of cricket is quite good. I have played in Bangladesh, India and other leagues and I'd say the local stars here are very talented. But if there is a downside, that's lack of crowd at the stadiums. But I guess this is the inaugural edition and it will slowly build up.
What has been the secret of Wayamba's success so far?
We have a very strong local squad and we are not dependent on foreign recruits. In the last game, we were without our best performing players and we still won comfortably. Chandimal came up with a good knock .Everyone is contributing towards our success. Unlike in Bangladesh, where I found the youngsters too shy to interact, here in Sri Lanka they come and ask for our suggestions. They are smart and keen to learn and improve.
You started with three Test centuries against South Africa in 1997. For someone so talented, have you done justice to your career?
I am aware that I have under-achieved for Pakistan. I still believe, I could have contributed more. But it wasn't in my hands, was it? Not just I, some of the best in the world like Saqlain Mushtaq, Shoaib Akhtar were also meted out shoddy treatment . Maybe as a nation we don't know how to value our talented youngsters because we have a surfeit of them . Problem is, after Imran Khan and Wasim Akram, and except perhaps Inzy (Imzamam), there hasn't been a single captain who can spot, groom and back youngsters. I have played under nine captains.
So you'd say politics plays a bigger role than talent in Pakistan?
Yes, definitely . Pakistan cricket management lacks a coherent ,consistent policy .If the captain himself is unsure of his place in the side, how will he instill confidence among players?