I have witnessed amazing scenes involving youngsters playing tape ball cricket in Lahore. The passion for this game is increasing in each coming generation.
On weekends all open spaces, roads and parks of the city are filled with young players early in the morning for cricket matches. From the roads and open spaces of Jallo Park to the airport, on streets with open expanse on either side, youngsters can be seen playing cricket.
Motorcycles carrying players adorned in colorful kits and carrying bats, wickets are easily visible on weekends. From every corner of Lahore players emerge going to their destined spots for pre-arranged matches.
The phrase, ‘early bird catches the worm’ really applies here, as the early arrivers can get better spots in these undefined playing areas. Some of the privileged and lucky players get to play on established grounds after paying a certain fee.
Sadly, the infrastructure of sports is almost nonexistent for the masses. With universities and large colleges closing their gates for outsiders, the grounds are unavailable for all. The cooperative societies also do not give access to their grounds.
Free of cost sports facilities are almost non-existent for commoners. In some instances young players even have to pay under the table, to certain office bearers and administrators of grounds. This is not an ethical and moral act, especially considering the young age of players
The situation is such that players have to share pitches, with three batsman playing on the same pitch. Bowlers of each team are ready and the batsman take turns while the ball is fielded or retrieved
Its seems hard to believe that twelve year old boys hit fast bowlers for six, while holding the bat with one hand. On top of that, this feat is done by challenging the bowler to be ready for the shot. In Lahore alone numerous players can hit six sixes in an over. With excellent timing, middling the ball and hand eye coordination, good length and short balls all are deposited for huge sixes.
The score of 80 runs in 3 overs has been witnessed by me and also being chased down by the opposing team. The gear and rules for this brand of cricket have been developed through decades. From cotton gloves to Lankan Bats, metallic wickets made by welding and rules, boundaries defined according to the area and situation at hand.
The tape ball cricket is considered to be the foundation and primary school for cricket players. It is good to see clubs and teams have been formed which play regular tape ball cricket. These informal clubs or groups encourage youngsters and teens. Companies and organizations have also formed teams which helps in socialization and cohesion.
Unfortunately, there is a downside and social menace in the background. Some groups of players indulge in suspicious activities. A group of players sits quietly in observation while two bowlers and one batsman engage in a battle. No formal and challenging match is taking place but the players are too serious and the audience too involved. The stakes seem to be higher than usual.
Young children and teens can also be seen loitering around. With little education and upbringing the passion for the game of cricket is being used for the wrong reasons.
It is recommended that this activity of tape ball cricket which like Basant is part of our culture be given proper shape through encouragement, infrastructure development and organization. There are hidden diamonds in the sand, who are to be discovered, polished and allowed to shine in the cricket crown of Pakistan.