Date:25/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/25/stories/2007112561261800.htm

Sport - Cricket

‘I enjoy playing in India’

Special Correspondent

— Photo: R. Ragu

AT EASE WITH HIMSELF: Inzamam-ul-Haq enjoying himself during the ICL practice session in Chennai.

CHENNAI: The former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq, a prize catch for the Indian Cricket League, admitted that he enjoyed playing cricket in India. “The pitches are good, the crowd is appreciative and supported good performances,” he said in an informal chat with the media on Saturday.

In the city for a practice match as a member of the Hyderabad Heroes against Chennai Superstars, Inzamam said the current Pakistan team in India was slowly evolving into a strong unit. He said in the ongoing Delhi Test, Pakistan had come back well.

“Still I feel India has the edge since it has many senior players. In particular Rahul Dravid could be the key man for India. He can bat on any pitch,” he added. The former skipper said Danish Kaneria should be the bowler to look out for.

Inzamam had a word of praise for his successor, Shoaib Malik. “He is doing well. Showing the right aggression also,” he said. Aside from Inzamam, the other Pakistan players present were Abdur Razzaq and Moin Khan. In the practice T20 match played at the RKM Vivekananda ground, Chennai Superstars defeated Hyderabad Heroes by four runs.

PTI adds

The ICL has roped in six former cricketers — including Tony Greig and Dean Jones — as commentators for the T20 tournament starting November 30 The other big names who have been included on the ICL expert panel are South African Pat Symcox, former Australian pacers Jeff Thomson and Mike Whitney, and ICL executive board chairman Kapil Dev.