Although former Pakistani Test player Aftab Baluch coached Nepal only for a year leading the team in an international tournament, his contribution can not be underestimated.
The 47-year old Karachi resident was seen supporting Nepal and watching every matches involving Nepal in the ongoing Youth Asia Cup. His 428 runs in an innings in a first class game is still the sixth highest score in first class cricket. The cricket world’s governing body ICC appointed Baluch for Nepal before ACC took over the charge and Nepal was given to Sri Lanka resulting termination of Baluch’s contract. At present Pakistan looks after Middle East countries.
NepalCricket contributor Purushottam Kattel, who is in Karachi reporting event for NepalCricket and The Kathmandu Post, got an opportunity to interact with Baluch, capped 12 times in Tests. Excerpts:
How do you feel watching Nepal play international matches at your hometown?
Baluch: I am simply ecstatic while watching Nepal play outstanding cricket in my homeland. They are brilliant in every aspects of the game. The bowling, batting and especially fielding is remarkable. I groomed most of the boys of this squad so it’s obvious to feel proud to watch Nepal do very well.
What are the potentials of Nepali cricket?
There are lot of potentials in Nepal and CAN is doing very well to explore it. Most of these boys were very young at my time and I picked some of them. Boys are keen to learn and the best part of them is discipline, which is an essential element for a good cricketer. They respect their seniors and learn coaches’ words very keenly.
Have you noticed any difference in Nepali side?
Lots of boys playing this tournament are my search. At that time they did not use to slide while fielding, but right now it’s their sliding that is even alluring Karachi cricketers. Now they look like a set team and playing confidently having a great teamwork.
Is their any contribution of yours to this team?
At my time cricketing culture was just gaining pace while now I heard lots of cricket is being conducted. I groomed most of these participating players. I decided Shakti as captain on Bangladesh tour after consulting with CAN and now he is doing really well.
Do you think Nepal will win the Youth Asia Cup?
It’s cricket- the game of uncertainty but I put my money on Nepal. On paper there is no team that is better than Nepal but they should prove it by winning the cup. If they maintain their confidence they would also do very well in upcoming Junior World Cup. Take my words, more than five Nepali players would be picked up for ACC Dream Team.
Fans back home hope that Nepal will play senior World Cup cricket in very near future. Do you think they can make it to the World Cup?
Of course yes. If handled with care these cricketers will drag you to the World Cup. They are still young and need special care. They will perform better than this after two or three years. They have a few shortcomings but there isn’t any team in the world that is perfect.
Any bitter moments in Nepal?
I was upset when I failed to go to Canada with the team for ICC World Cup Qualifying Round. CAN picked up outsiders leaving alternatives players at bay. If you pick team only to provide them a foreign tour, your cricket will never develop. I suggested CAN to inject young bloods but they stick to old players.
How do you remember your stint in Nepal?
I am very much missing Nepal. If provided chances I am very interested to work in Nepal. I am impressed with CAN’s enthusiasm and especially I admire the management of Binaya Raj Pandey. The players are keen and discipline, hospitality is good, team is doing very well and weather is very cricketing.