Ageism doesn't bother Pakistan coach
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
KARACHI, Sept 15 (AFP): Pakistan cricket team coach Intikhab Alam Tuesday brushed aside "negative" criticism from those demanding his removal because of his age, saying the campaign was motivated by jealousy.
The 67-year-old guided Pakistan to the World Twenty20 title in England in June but Tests and one-day defeats on the Sri Lanka tour last month prompted former players to brand his old age a hindrance in proper coaching.
But Alam brushed aside the flak.
"If there is healthy criticism I take it in a positive way, but targeting my age is negative thinking and I smell jealousy from this," said Alam on the sidelines of Pakistan team's training camp here.
The five-day camp is the final phase of Pakistan's preparations for the elite eight-nation Champions Trophy to be played in South Africa from September 22-October 5.
Alam said the same people who were pointing finger at his age were praising him a few months ago.
"I feel sorry for such people who have a personal vendetta against me," said Alam, who was also credited for Pakistan's success in the 50-over World Cup in Australia in 1992. "They cannot digest our T20 success."
Former captain Aamir Sohail last week criticised Alam for being too old to handle coaching at international level.
Former Pakistan Cricket Board chief Tauqir Zia also joined Sohail in targeting Alam's age, saying Pakistan needs a young coach to guide them to more successes.
Alam, however, insists he is fit.
"I even take part in coaching drills and my age has never been a hindrance in my work. Coaching is all about experience and football coaches worldwide are over 70 years of age but no one speaks against them," said Alam.
Alam said he feels no pressure and is committed to his task to help Pakistan attain top spot in world cricket.
The 67-year-old guided Pakistan to the World Twenty20 title in England in June but Tests and one-day defeats on the Sri Lanka tour last month prompted former players to brand his old age a hindrance in proper coaching.
But Alam brushed aside the flak.
"If there is healthy criticism I take it in a positive way, but targeting my age is negative thinking and I smell jealousy from this," said Alam on the sidelines of Pakistan team's training camp here.
The five-day camp is the final phase of Pakistan's preparations for the elite eight-nation Champions Trophy to be played in South Africa from September 22-October 5.
Alam said the same people who were pointing finger at his age were praising him a few months ago.
"I feel sorry for such people who have a personal vendetta against me," said Alam, who was also credited for Pakistan's success in the 50-over World Cup in Australia in 1992. "They cannot digest our T20 success."
Former captain Aamir Sohail last week criticised Alam for being too old to handle coaching at international level.
Former Pakistan Cricket Board chief Tauqir Zia also joined Sohail in targeting Alam's age, saying Pakistan needs a young coach to guide them to more successes.
Alam, however, insists he is fit.
"I even take part in coaching drills and my age has never been a hindrance in my work. Coaching is all about experience and football coaches worldwide are over 70 years of age but no one speaks against them," said Alam.
Alam said he feels no pressure and is committed to his task to help Pakistan attain top spot in world cricket.