The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Pakistan media all praise for cricketers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 20, 2005

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Pakistan media all praise for cricketers

KARACHI: Pakistan media was all praise for the country's cricket team and described the players as national heroes on Tuesday.

All the newspapers gave extensive coverage to the team's arrival with most of the leading dailies carrying at least four-column front page photographs of captain Inzamam-ul-Haq mobbed by thousands of fans in Lahore.

While the English newspapers were sober in their headlines, the Urdu newspapers used all the possible adjectives to praise the cricketers. The newspapers also gave prominence to President Pervez Musharraf's announcement of cash award of Rs five million for the team.

The Dawn compared the one-day series victory to Pakistan's first Test win in 1954 against England at The Oval where Fazal Mahmood took 12 wickets.

The newspaper, in its editorial, said: ``When Pakistan beat England on its inaugural tour in 1954, it obliged a British newspaper to write an editorial titled `Shabash Pakistan.''' It continued: ``When the team began its tour of India a month-and-a-half ago, nobody gave it half-a-chance against the formidable host, especially after the disastrous tour of Australia earlier this year.

``As it turned out, `Never Say Die' became the visitors' rallying cry. Henceforth, it was to be one for all and all for one.''

The Dawn also praised cricketers for their off-the-field conduct.

``Results apart, the Pakistani cricketers were excellent ambassadors for their country whenever they played. They were great competitors on the field and amiable comrades off it.

The Nation credited the team's performance to some inspirational leadership of Inzamam.

``Though it was a great team effort, Inzamam-ul Haq's contribution in leading from the front deserves appreciation. Not only did he lead the team to victory with the bat, he also provided the right mindset that did not let the boys fall apart under pressure, as has happened too many times in Pakistani cricket history,'' the paper said in its editorial. — PTI

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