KARACHI: Legendary spinner Bishen Singh Bedi's tip on the rest day of the historic Bangalore Test was instrumental in Pakistan winning their first ever series in Indian soil in 1987, former left arm spinner Iqbal Qasim raveled on Tuesday night.
"Me and Touseef Ahmed met by chance with Bedi Sahib on the rest day at a reception as he was not too happy with his pupil Maninder Singh's bowling and said he was trying too much on the turner," he recollected.
He made these remarks at a reception hosted in his and fellow team-mate and off-spinner Touseef Ahmed's honor at Arts Council of Pakistan as the duo of Bangalore Test heroes of 1987.
Those who spoke on the occasion included former Pakistan captain Moin Khan, Olympian Samiullah Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, KCCA President and PCB Governing Board Prof. Ejaz Ahmed Farqui and veteran journalist Qamar Ahmed.
Leading sports anchor Syed Yahya Hussaini conducted and hosted the reception.
Left arm spinner Maninder Singh captured seven wickets for 27 runs to dismiss Pakistan for 116 in the first innings and they scored 249 in their second outings.
"As you could understand from his suggestions that there was no need to make an extra effort on the turning track. Me and Touseef took the clue and just bowled normally on the turner and it paid dividend," he disclosed.
He admitted that there was huge pressure on him as compared to Touseef because he was sent as enforcement, however with help of Almighty Allah Pakistan emerged triumphant.
He said ball was turning so much on the Karnataka State Cricket Association Ground that it was not only beating the batsmen, but even the wicketkeepers and fielders of both the teams.
He said Pakistan captain Imran Khan and others colleagues misread the pitch with top greenish touch, while it proved paradise for the spinners.
"On few occasions Imran Khan while passing near me glared at me as luck was eluding me time and again despite good bowling.
"I went to Imran Khan and asked him to be calm and assured him that wicket will be shortly forthcoming," he said.
"It did and we eventually went to win the match on the fourth day of the Test match. It was definitely great triumph for Pakistan team and for us," he said.
Iqbal Qasim and Touseef Ahmed shared 18 wickets between them to bowl Pakistan to victory with Wasim Akram grabed two.
He said that he and Touseef Ahmed were released from the team after the triumph.
"Next day while we were in India, news flashed that Pakistan team was accorded grand reception in Lahore which surprised us as no body had asked us to travel with the team," he lamented.
He said winning the Test series against India was most satisfying moments of my life.
Iqbal Qasim said he with Touseef Ahmed were hoping that they wil be honored for the accomplishments. But no recognized and bothered its.
"We met Sindh Sports Minister after returning home. He offered us tea and biscuits and promised that we would be honored by Chief Minister. he took our phone numbers. But we still waiting for his call," he maintained.
Touseef Ahmed lauded the role of Iqbal Qasim for providing support and encouragement which brought improvment in his game.
"I will be cherishing those great moments to the rest of my life as it is an asst for me," Touseef Ahmed, said.
"I am proud of that I was part of that great tour and contributed something for the country," he said.
Moin Khan said Bangalore Test triumph and series win over India made waves of jubilation and happiness to the millions of Pakistan supporter.
"These players were always inspiration for us to excel in the field after we were elevated to Pakistan team." Moin Khan said.
Prof. Faruqi, who is also President of Arts Council of Pakistan praised the grand contribution of duo of Iqbal Qasim and Touseef Ahmed two son of Pakistan cricket.
He said they will continue to honor such legendary sportsmen and highlight their accomplishments.
Veteran journalist Qamar Ahmed, who covered the Test man said it was amazing triumph for Pakistan team which is part of history.
"Qasim and Touseef tormanted Indian batting in the second innings to lure highest honor glory to the country," Qamar, who had reported 400 Test matches, said.
The ceremony was largely attended by ex-Test cricketers Rashid Khan, Nadeem Khan, test batsmen Fawad Alam, Khurram Manzoor, Internationals Ghulam Ali, Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry, Sajid Ali, Saeed Azad. Olympian Sameer Hussain and others.
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