Ignored at home, welcomed by others

Pakistan volleyball players earn healthy amounts from foreign clubs.

KARACHI:

Pakistan volleyball players may be ignored on home soil but they have carved a niche for themselves in the Middle East and South Asian countries, feels Mohammad Naseer Khan, who just finished a season with Ajman.

While the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) is busy arranging $4000 to hire an Iranian coach, five players are currently engaged with different clubs abroad, earning approximately $75,000.

Naseer has been playing for clubs in Iran, Dubai and Muscat.

"Playing for clubs abroad has proven to be lucrative," Naseer told The Express Tribune. "Our talent is appreciated there whereas in Pakistan cricket is preferred over every sport."

The PVF Secretary Muhammad Afzal confirmed the other four players include Kashif Mansoor, Irfan, Raheem Khan and Muhammad Farooq.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2011.