In addition to fitness and performance, professional and moral integrity are the fundamental requirements for youngsters to excel in sports. These views were expressed by the cricketers Salman Butt and Muhammad Asif while delivering lectures to WAPDA players and their management about anti-corruption code as part of WAPDA rehabilitation programme here at WAPDA auditorium, WAPDA House on Wednesday.
WAPDA Secretary Amer Ahmad Khan, WAPDA Sports Advisor Shafqat Rana, Director General (Services) Mian Rifat Mehmood, WAPDA Sports Board Secretary General Razzaq Gill and others were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Salman Butt and Muhammad Asif urged upon the need to create awareness among the emerging players about unethical and illegal practices so as to save their careers in sports.
They said that playing for the country is a great honour, therefore, one must play only for glory of the nation and the country. There is no short-cut in life. We have been paying heavy price for our mistake, thus, youngsters must learn lessons from our case. One has to repent if indulges in unlawful activities because such activities always result in shame not only for the player and the family but also for the country and the nation. Dilating upon their rehabilitation programme, Salman Butt and Muhammad Asif thanked WAPDA for providing them the opportunity to return to cricket.
It is pertinent to mention that the duo joined WAPDA last month. Though they had completed Pakistan Cricket Board rehabilitation and integration programme, WAPDA has also prepared its own rehabilitation plan for them prior to their return to domestic first class cricket.