August 11, 2002

I AM not an autograph-hunter. I have never been. Though, like everyone else, I had my idols in my childhood, I never ran after people with an autograph book in my hand. I guess autograph-hunting is more of a hobby than attitude — like stamps and coin collection, for instance — and it is safe to say that it was not my hobby. If my memory serves me right, in my life thus far, I have collected only two autographs and they remain my prized collection; I mean, if you can call it a collection at all.

Though it was the second one I had, I will mention the one of Don Bradman first, for it has a great sentimental value. There is hardly any point in saying what Don was, and what he meant to the game of cricket, for I have hardly anything to add to what is already known around the world. But the level of sentimentality sharply increases on a more personal note, as I was generally labelled as the Asian Bradman during my playing days by the media, and the Don personally acknowledged it when I first met him during the 1970s.

The second autograph — which actually was the first that I ever hunted — was that of Omar Kureishi, who, in more ways than one, truely represents the voice of Pakistan cricket. He was the one who teamed up with Jamsheed Marker to bring cricket commentary to Pakistan, and what a start that was! I say this without an iota of doubt that even after so many years — decades, in fact — the quality and passion of cricket commentary in the country has yet to match the quality and passion of those early years.

Omar, especially, was the more friendly of the two, and mingled up with cricketers, and was always close to almost each player without being intrusive in the least. And when he spoke of players during his commentary stints, there was a hint of respect and affection for them, and it all made its way right into the hearts of the listeners without them making a conscious note of it.

Indeed, Omar was a childhood idol, and I have never made any secret of it. I met him recently at the reception that was held in his honour by Pakistan Cricket Board in Karachi. This was after some time that we had met, and, as always, I met him as a fan of long standing. As I was sitting beside him, I could recall the day when I was being tested in the nets for possible employment with Pakistan International Airlines. This was way back in the late 1960s.

Omar was then working in a senior management position, and it was his idea to use sports as a Public Relations tool, a step for which the entire sports community should be thankful to Omar, for it brought in its wake employment opportunities for budding cricketers. The trend soon picked up, and it was not long before sportsmen of calibre were being offered respected employment by banks and other commercial organizations. Both Noor Khan and Omar Kureishi had a soft corner for sportsmen, and they did a lot for them.

During that PIA trial, I can still recall that distinct voice coming from the back of the net as I hooked a fast bowler for a six. “Take him, take him,” were the words, as I looked back, and had an eye contact with Omar that I have not forgotten yet.

Life has moved on since then, and Omar has left the commentary box, and is concentrating more on his syndicated sports column that is published in various parts of the world. But even today, when I am subjected to torture by the Sidhus and Boycotts, I wish Omar Kureishi could reconsider his self-imposed retirement from the airwaves. But I know he won’t, for Omar believes in moving on.

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window)