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Journalism of Courage
The recently concluded Samsung Cup, played amidst much hype and speculation, was absolutely a treat to all cricket lovers in the subcontinent, who sat through each match glued to their television sets. The luckier ones, of course, got to watch their heroes live in the stadiums. Fans from both sides of the border were seen waving their national flags and also carrying banners with messages of peace. No matter what the outcome of the series, was it is evident that hearts were won across the border and cricket, along with its devoted fans, was the ultimate winner.
But this series also holds a special place in my heart and I would like to dedicate it to my father, who passed away on January 1, 2004. Baba was the typical Indian cricket fan who would groan every time a match would fall on a weekday but would somehow manage to catch up on the score even if he had to attend office.
Baba was very much against the mindless criticism of the cricket team, in which most people indulged in. He was one of the few Indian cricket fans who believed that our players were, after all, human. Nevertheless, whenever India lost a match, he seemed to be disillusioned with the team. He did not talk much but his countenance appeared to echo Hamlet8217;s thoughts: 8220;How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world8221;. But this was just a temporary phase. As he always said, the next match was always a new game.
Baba and I often discussed Indo-Pak relations and whether cricket should be dragged into politics. When India beat Pakistan in the league match during last year8217;s World Cup, he had expressed his annoyance with the government for depriving us of the pleasure of watching the two nations play. Every time India refused to tour Pakistan, he would get disheartened and wonder when we would get to witness this historic encounter.
Well, it finally took place and what a series the ODIs turned out to be! But watching cricket without him is just not the same. When he died, cricket was deprived of one of its most ardent fans. Baba, how I wish you were here with me to watch these matches. But wherever you are now, I know you were overjoyed to learn that India will play Pakistan after all.
And, yes Baba, we won!
