It is the hope of cricket buffs that psychiatrist Hamid Quazi would have enough tips up his sleeves to

help skipper Akram Khan recuperate from a freshly inflicted mental bruise just in time to lead the Bangladesh national cricket team from the front in the imminent three-nation tournament, starting in India on May 14.

Ironically the bruise was caused by none other than Shafiqul Haq Hira, a senior member in the selection committee of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). A usually reticent Shafiq made the most irresponsible, objectionable comment on Akram, who led Bangladesh to ICC Trophy victory last year, while defending the controversial BCB policy of not sharing selection matters with either the captain or the

The national wicketkeeper-turned-selector did not hesitate to berate Akram in an attempt to uphold Board's tight-lipped policy. Board may take pride

In the foolish endeavour of one of its ultra ‘loyal’ members but the outrageous comment has triggered widespread criticism. Many feel the skipper and his team have been dealt with a crippling blow even before the tournament has actually begun.

"At this moment our captain does not carry that much weight (significance) which is worthwhile," Shafiqul wised up a Daily Star correspondent recently. What could be more shocking for a skipper to be dubbed as a man of no significance after all those years of sincere service?

If Akram is so draffish. why on earth the 'very capable' selectors have retained him as skipper over a period of more than four years ? Doesn't it expose the inefficiency of the selectors?

Shafiqul. oblivious to the reality, went on to say, "He (Akram) is not an Azharuddin (the Indian captain). He is still in the process of learning."

In one sense, he was right. At least, he uttered a universal truth. As Akram is not Azharuddin, Shafiqul himself is no Syed Klrmani, the famous Indian wicketkeeper. Besides, it is also very true that Akram has got more significance than that of Shafiqul in the cricket of Bangladesh.

In the Test-playing countries. captains and coaches are invited to express their observations and suggestions in front of the selection panel. Captain and coach, who know better than anybody about what they need, help the selectors a lot in picking up the best possible side.

Responding to the course of the event, the mild-mannered Bangladesh captain, however, very aptly said, "It's unfortunate that I'm not being consulted. Since they're not considering me before any selec-

tion, it would be decent and logical of them to cop the flak in

Psychiatrists play a pivotal role in the highly demanding, competitive game of cricket. In these days it has become a necessity to have a specialist psychiatrist in the team to bring the best out of every player. BCB has arranged four intensive Silva Meditation sessions for the cricketers, courtesy Abdul Hamid Quazi the noted psychiatrist, better known as Mahi Quazi abroad who has consented to do the Job free of cost as part of his pledge for the national team following its success in Malaysia last year. He hopes players will be in totally different shape of mind on completion of this course.

We also hope so. But training players' minds to a new high of performance may not be Dr.Quazi's only Job. As a keen follower of the game had thought aloud at the Dhaka Stadium the other day, Mahi Quazi should also consider providing free meditation course to some eccentric selectors of BCB.