The Cricket blog

The opening..

My love with the game of cricket, since childhood has been a long and fulfilling journey. Over the years this journey has been filled with unforgettable memories of thrill, laughter, excitement and sometimes utter chaos. In a country where almost one billion people are pure worshippers of the game, I was always eager and delighted to watch the game with my family, friends, neighbours and relatives. I still remember the time when our miniature hall was packed with familiar faces cheering and frowning over ups and down of the game. There was abundant excitement and time knew no bounds or limits. The hectic rut of everyday life seemed to have come to a screeching halt with every run being scored and batsman being given out. The sheer thought of your team winning the game in a last over encounter was definitely not for the faint hearted and I distinctly remember closing my eyes or skipping a beat when the last few overs were bowled. It was such a superb atmosphere we all seem completely immersed into with the smell of Indian tea and pakoras complementing the scene to perfection. Cuts, drives, superb catches , scores and umpiring became the topics for everyday conversations and the whole society was soon buzzing with such diverse and sometimes esoteric discussions, that would seriously give professional cricket reviewers, run for their money!

In my country, Cricket brings together the rich and the poor, the black and the white , the neighbours and friends again reminding us that the barriers of caste, creed or status are man-made and we ought to live together in peace and harmony. It also portrays the fact that in order to be truly happy one need not be very rich, since true happiness is found in so many small things in our life only if we take time to feel and experience it.

I am a big critic of the recent severed ties between cricketing nations which is tarnishing the popular image of the game and creating a rift between the people who love sport dearly. I request the authorities and the politicians to keep aside their differences and encourage the sport at all levels.

I may not be living in my great country anymore, but whichever time zone I may be in my body clock is always ready for watching a game of cricket. My passion for the game has anything but grown over the years since it fills my mind with the nostalgia of childhood and friends and brings back some great adolescence memories.

I am glad that I am such an ardent fan of the game, whose distinct recollections help fill up the void in days I am “down”. I have no hesitation in proclaiming that one of the best things I still heartily enjoy is watching the wonderful game of cricket in lush green outfields. (Thank you England!). Addiction to the game has been the best anti-stress supplement I have ever had over the years

If you enjoy cricket, I would like to hear from you. Write to me @ altafr@gmail.com