Pakistan, New Zealand say prayers for Hughes

Pakistan’s chief selector calls on manufacturers to improve the quality of helmets

The touring Pakistan and New Zealand players joined the cricketing fraternity in expressing their concern about Australia batsman Phil Hughes, who is in critical condition after being struck on the head while batting during a Sheffield Shield match.

Pakistan skipper Misbah- ul-Haq told Gulf News: “Injuries have become part and parcel of the game and when such mishaps happen, one can only wish him best of luck. We will all pray for his recovery.”

Pakistan opening batsman Ahmad Shehzad was hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Corey Anderson on the second day of the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi this month and was diagnosed with a minor skull fracture.

Improving helmet quality

Main Khan, manager and chief selector of the Pakistan team said: “We are very sad to hear about Hughes. We will all pray for his quick recovery and we all sincerely hope he comes back quickly. It is time manufacturers of helmets improve their quality. Though all cricketers now bat with helmet, the [ strikes] are causing serious injuries — like [ in the case of] Shehzad. It is also important that key areas are protected too.”

New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum said: “All our thoughts are with Hughes and his family. It is a tragic circumstance and we hope that the best result happens and he come out of it and make a full come- back into the game.”

‘ Tough, dangerous game’

Commenting on the safety of helmets, he said: “Though this delivery to Hughes missed the helmet, the game we play is dangerous. It is not often this happens but it does remind you that it is a tough game we play as well. We can only hope that it doesn’t happen very often. Yes, we had seen in this series [ Shehzad being hit] and although we want to play the game hard we don’t want to see people get hit. We wish Hughes a speedy recovery.”

Hughes had played in a Oneday International against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi last month.