With the World Cup around the corner, Babra Wani meets elderly cricket fans to understand why their love for the game has not faded with their age
For Ghulam Qadir, a resilient 70-year-old resident of South Kashmir’s Anantnag, cricket seemingly runs through his veins. “Cricket is an addiction,” he confesses, even as his attention remains firmly fixed on the commentary. “I have been following cricket since my childhood, and back then, we played the game ourselves. Even today, when these young ones take to the field, I make sure to face a ball or two.”
Transporting this reporter to October 13, 1983, Qadir vividly recalls a historic international match between West Indies and India at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Cricket Stadium in Srinagar. “West Indies clinched victory with ease, but what stands out is the electric cricket fervour that engulfed the entire stadium,” he reminisces with a glimmer in his eye. “The chants for our favourite players echoed through the air. That day belonged to the Kaali Aandhi (West Indies).”
Qadir’s love for cricket runs so deep that, at times, he finds himself neglecting meals. “In college, I was the star player on our team,” he proudly proclaims. “The cricket aficionado in me remains undiminished, though my physical abilities have dwindled with age.”
Entering his seventies, Qadir’s unrelenting passion for cricket is evident. “I recently reactivated my Dish TV subscription after six months to follow the Asia Cup. But when the electricity falters, my trusted radio comes to the rescue,” he said, asserting every single word.
To stay connected with the game he cherishes, Qadir has subscribed to various Smartphone apps, making him a devoted follower of cricket in all its forms. With pride in his voice, he declares, “Whether it’s test matches or league games, I’m there every step of the way.”
The Heart of Kashmir
In Kashmir, cricket transcends boundaries of age, gender, and geography, carving a special place in the peoples’ hearts. Over the years, Kashmiris have displayed their love and devotion for the sport in countless passionate ways, from smashing television sets in jubilation to naming their children after cricketing legends. This year, the Kashmiri cricket bat is set to make its mark in the ODI World Cup.
“For over four decades, children and youth from our village formed various teams,” Abdul Rahman, 75, a Pahalgam resident, reminisces. “In those days, proper cricket gear was a luxury. We crafted bats from wooden logs and used birre balls (softwood waste bound by threads) that sometimes led to injuries.”
Reliving the Past
Mohammad Ramzan, 68, from North Kashmir, his interesting cricket story. “I recall being around twelve years old, sitting with the elders, listening to a radio show called Aalmi Sports Round-Up, which covered cricket extensively. I used to travel to a neighbouring village just to catch the latest cricket updates since no one in my village had access to the radio,” he said. “We valued cricket more than our studies. It was our beloved and only sport. Today, in retirement, I ensure I watch every match, including the classics I missed over the years, thanks to the internet. This phase of my life is dedicated to prayer and savouring cricket in my post-retirement days.”
Abdul Majeed Najar is 63 and lives in Bandipora. He possesses an unparalleled passion for the sport. Every time there is a cricket match in his vicinity, he readies himself with fervour. His profound knowledge of the game elevates him to a celebrated figure known for his cricketing expertise, transcending age boundaries and inspiring fellow cricket aficionados.
Passion Passed Down
Abdul Rashid, 72, ensures that nothing disrupts his son’s cricketing aspirations. “I stand steadfast in supporting my son’s dreams, for he lives out my cherished dream of playing my beloved sport.”
Rashid’s son, a local cricket team member, acknowledges his father’s unwavering support. “My father is such a cricket enthusiast that he not only financially supports me but also tends to our shop whenever I have a match.”
In Kulgam, Mohammad Amin Sheikh, approaching 60, is a former cricketer himself. He takes pride in being the first one at the cricket ground when a match is scheduled. Sheikh has imparted his love for cricket to his son faithfully. “Sheikh is a legend in our area, meticulously tracking the schedules of all cricket matches. He even joins in to play when the need arises. His dedication is commendable,” a resident said.
Not Just for Men
To assume that cricket’s fervour is limited to the male would be a grave oversight. Cricket has a huge following among women too.
“Whenever there’s a cricket match, I make sure my family and I watch it together,” declares Mahmooda, 78, a Srinagar resident. “We never miss a game, no matter what. It’s a source of entertainment.”
Mahmooda’s passion for cricket, especially ODIs, has persisted since her youth. Often found engrossed in front of the TV screen, donning her glasses and cradling a cup of noon chai, she explains, “Growing up with younger brothers and later having four sons, I watched what they watched, which was mostly cricket. So, I started watching cricket too. Initially, it was because of my family, but it ignited my own interest in the game. People are often surprised at my grasp of technical terms.” Her all-time favourite player is Afridi. Her husband used to shut shop to watch a match.
Sitara, 65, is another cricket fan. “It banishes my boredom. I was once an ardent Sunil Gavaskar fan, but now I’m officially a Kohli fan,” she grins. “Kohli plays exceptionally well, much like Gavaskar did in his era.”
