Daily Times

Sir: A cricket fan is not just a fan of the game in the contemporary world; he is divided into an array of categories ranging from the Test cricket lover to the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is an enthusiast and each one is ready to debate for hours about the merits and demerits of any format, team, or player. Alas, when the time for the World Cup arrives, the categories diminish, the debates turn much more personal and patriotism reaches unprecedented levels. The emotional attachment with the World Cup is simply unlike that of any other trophy since it is not merely a prize, it is a symbol of national dignity and unmatched glory. Imagine how a Pakistani cricket fan would feel if someone were to compare the Asia Cup claimed recently by Misbah ul Haq-led Pakistan to that glorious World Cup won by the Imran Khan-inspired ‘cornered tigers’ in 1992. There is simply no comparison! If the person were to be a member of the same team that the nation regards as a symbol of pride, he would be heartbroken. Consider then the sheer degree of disappointment that raged through the soul of a true Pakistani fan when our very own Wasim Akram commented in a brief TV chat. He compared his emotions for the recent victory of Kolkata Knight Riders, a team he is associated with, in the IPL, to those for Pakistan’s splendid triumph in 1992, where Wasim himself was one of the architects of the party. Over the past few years, however, times have indeed changed. The game is no longer governed by passion for the sport and after Wasim’s unexpected comment over the KKR win, it seems national duty and honour are fighting a battle for survival.

MOHAMMAD AZEEM

Karachi