Abdul’s shadow grows longer

Press, 8 February 1985, Page 30

Abdul’s shadow grows longer

By

JOHN BROOKS

The scene resembled the start of a summer holiday. Abdul Qadir slipped on his dark green blazer, scooped up his travel bag, and kissed his comrades on their foreheads. Then, baring his dazzling smile for the last time, be turned his face towards Melbourne.

Those were the last convulsions yesterday in the Qadir affair, the extraordinary played-down drama which resulted in the Pakistan cricket team’s management sending home its leading leg-spin bowler. Such an action by any touring team’s manager reflects disgrace on the player concerned. But that was hardly the impression conveyed by the principal figures in his bizarre personality struggle. The Pakistani manager,

Yawar Saeed, a florid, beetle-browed man, gave the impression he was auditioning for the leading part in “High Noon” as he spelt out Qadir’s fate. It was for disciplinary reasons, he said. What the man had done to earn such a devastating penalty would not be divulged, except to the Pakistani Cricket Board of Control.

That ban on the precise nature of the alleged offence extended even to Qadir. Questioned again and again by reporters, Mr Saeed revealed the stoicism of an opening batsman, playing the deliveries back down the line.

But while his colleagues were battling against New Zealand in the one-day international at Lancaster Park, Qadir was reclining on his bed in his hotel room, bolding court for reporters, photographers, radio and

television interviewers — in two languages. Foreign news agencies and wellwishers kept phoning him, and all received courteous and long-winded replies. In disgrace? Qadir scarcely gave that impression. He seemed to be re-

velling in his sudden notoriety, probably because he had taken only one wicket in each of the first two tests.

The interviews were overwhelming. Qadir spoke expressively of the incident with Zaheer Abbas in Wellington; of his friendship with Imran Khan — currently in Australia — hinted at the gradual elimination of Pakistan cricket’s “gang of four” — himself, Imran, Sarfraz and Mohsin —

talked loosely of jealousies against these players; extolled his own virtues as a spin bowler; and expressed his love and pride for his country.

Qadir did not seem at all perturbed that he was being sent home. He spoke of fulfilling a coaching engagement in Melbourne on his journey, of his business interests in Pakistan, and of his thoughts about retirement.

Of the taut moment when he was told he was no longer required on tour, Qadir said Mr Saeed had told him the decision was his alone. But Jayed Miandad, the captain, and Mudassar Nazar, the vice-captain, were also in the room.

Qadir requested that they should leave, but Mr Saeed responded, “they are with me.”

He had expected “everything” from Javed and Zaheer, said Qadir. But it was a shock to him that Mudassar was involved.

Eventually, the reporters begged to be excused. As they inched out the door, their heads whirling and their pads dripping with quotes, Qadir fired a parting shot. “If you think of any more questions before I leave, just give me a ring. Any time at all.”