A veteran returns to Mohali,this time in Pakistans corner

Intikhab Alam coached Punjab in 2004-05,says the PCA feels like home to him

Walking into the lobby of the PCA Stadium in Mohali,Intikhab Alam,manager of Pakistan,stopped to glance at a picture on the wall. Onlookers saw a smile on Alams face the picture on the wall was his own.

A few steps on,PCA president I S Bindra hugged Alam warmly. It made him go back in time,Alam said later. As I entered the PCA premises,I was gripped by nostalgia, he said. It feels like home.

Punjab,and the PCA are in fact,home of sorts to the former Pakistan legspinner. He was born in Hoshiarpur,and coached the Punjab Ranji side for two years in 2004-05. For the subcontinental rivals who will fight for a place in the World Cup final here on Wednesday,Alam is a unique link.

Inti is a wonderful friend. He spent two years with PCA and helped Punjab reach the Ranji final once (in 2005). We enjoyed his services, Bindra said. It is nice to see him here again.

PCA had asked Alam again in 2008,but visa problems ensured the offer did not materialise into a second association. During his first stint,Alam had as his wards Indian stars Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh.

Both Harbhajan and Yuvraj are match-winning players, Alam said. Bhajji has done exceptionally well for India over the years and proved his mettle. Yuvraj played a few matches under me,and I could see a lot of potential in him. I had always said that Yuvi needed more discipline in his batting. He has not disappointed me in this World Cup.

Out in the middle,Alam met curator Daljit Singh and asked about the pitch. His knowledge of conditions and the wicket will come in handy for captain Shahid Afridi and coach Waqar Younis as they draw up strategy.

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The PCA wicket has good bounce and pace, Alam said. It will probably help the team bowling first. Umar Gul can be lethal here. Even Shahid Afridi will be very useful,and he has been very successful in the tournament. I will use all the knowledge that I gathered here for the Pakistan team.

Over the years,Alam has been a bit of a lucky mascot for Pakistan. He was coach of the side that won the World Cup in 1992,and of the one that won the 2009 T20 title. I hope it happens for the third time,but we must first clear the hurdle at Mohali, he said.