Former Pakistan off spinner Saqlain Mushtaq urges the organisers to ensure that the cricketers who took part in the T20 Canada event are paid their dues in full as soon as possible.
Saqlain, who played in the match in Canada for the Asia XI spoke of his delight at taking part in the match in Toronto, said that he really enjoyed the match as it was good to be out there in Canada amongst passionate cricket lovers and also international cricketers from all over the world. It was great to catch up with guys who I have played against in the past and to be playing cricket in such a vast and fantastic arena” stated Saqlain.
Saqlain feels that cricket in Canada has a huge potential for growth but negative publicity like what has occurred in the aftermath of the event in Toronto will undoubtedly put off international cricketers going to Canada to take part in any such events in future.
“All the players were of the opinion that we all wanted to play a part to boost the popularity of cricket in Canada and I’m sure most if not all of the boys would have been prepared to play in such matches in future. We all wanted to help the organisers hold a successful and popular event and to ensure that the event would become a regular fixture. However after what is occurring at the moment, we’ll have to think twice about playing in such matches in future” added Saqlain.
35 year old Saqlain who represented Pakistan on 218 occasions and now coaches cricketers of various ages and levels around the world, urged the organisers to pay the cricketers what was owed to them and what had been promised.
“We all have families who we have to support, mouths to feed at home. The cricketers went to Canada with their best intentions to support the event and we delivered our side of the deal. We flew out there from all parts of the world, played to the best of our ability, so we have done what was required from us. I would urge the organisers to deliver their side of the deal and what was promised to all of the cricketers and pay us our dues.”
“Our representatives are in touch with the organisers to try and get them to pay us, but as yet there has been no official word from the organisers as to when or if they will pay us what was promised. I hope the situation is resolved quickly” stated Saqlain.
