Pakistan President: 'I am glad that this team has one captain who calls the shots'

President General Pervez Musharraf Friday was introduced to the Pakistan cricket team before the start of the second one-day international against England at The Oval.

General Musharraf, who is on an official visit to England, stayed in the Pakistan dressing room for 10 minutes and expressed his delight following the team's victory in the first game against England at Old Trafford, Manchester on Tuesday.

Pakistan beat England by two wickets with four balls to spare to take a 1-0 lead in a three-match challenge series.

The President asked the side to continue with their hard work.

"Although I didn't see your victory, I know that you have given the nation much needed delight and happiness. I would advise you to continue with your hard work.

"Winning and losing is part of the game. Just try to give your best, play hard cricket in the true spirit of the game. I have all the reasons to believe that if you play to your potential, you can be world-beaters. You are the best talent that has assembled here," General Musharraf said.

"You are the future of Pakistan cricket," said General Musharraf, who is also the Patron of the PCB. "Pakistan cricket is in safe hands and I am optimistic that you [players] will help Pakistan regain the lost glory."

General Musharraf told Shoaib Akhtar that he was fan of the fast bowler. "I have seen you bowling and I am a real fan of yours. But I have observed that at times you don't strike the balance that is essential to be a successful sportsman."

The President, while talking to skipper Rashid Latif, said he was delighted to see team unity under his leadership. "I am impressed with your leadership. You have gelled the team together and that is the key to get the best out of your unit."

General Musharraf told the team that the captain was the only commander of the team and advised the boys to respect and listen to him. "You can run your unit when you have one commander and I am glad that this team has one captain who calls the shots."

During the visit, Pakistan coach Javed Miandad presented General Musharraf his autobiography "Cutting Edge. My Autobiography".

Samiul Hasan
Media manager - Pakistan cricket team
20 June 2003