I too tend to think that cricket is the greatest thing that God ever created on earth - certainly greater than sex, although sex isn't too bad either.

HAROLD PINTER


I played cricket at the Wankahde stadium-and have yet to get over the thrill and excitement of having done so. Let me make clear.
We at Mumbai have strung together a team; a motley group of aspiring wannnabe cricketers turned government officers joining hands to throw their hands around on Saturdays during the winter season. So yours truly and several others- whose only common link is a passion for the game play cricket whenever the opportunity arises. We chose our opposition carefully. Three essential criteria have to be met-should not consist of too many good cricketers, should be in a position to provide the cricket ground for the game (and if the lunch can also be thrown in it would be great, thank you) and finally if possible should be good losers. So thus it was that a match was organized against the Maharashtra Cricket Association-they offered that the match could be played at the Wankhade if we were comfortable with the idea; comfortable? You must be kidding-we practically jumped at the idea.
The morning of 26 January saw a group of middle and not so middle aged, pot and a few firm bellied officers ,bright eyed and excited like nursery children having their first outing to an amusement park, assembling in the hallowed ground. It was a wonderful day- temperature at about 16 c, bright sun but not hot and perfect for a game of cricket. We entered the dressing rooms-imagining Sachin, and Dravid and Lara, and Pointing, sitting there. We were given the visitors dressing room. The very same where greats like Richards, Warne,(perhaps texting somebody about how great she was!) Gower, Wasim Akram, Rhodes have sat waiting their turn to bat and bowl. Oh the thrill!. We felt no lesser than these worthies. The walls were lined with photographs-of Sobers executing a cover drive, of Kanhai hooking, of Bedi bowling, of Sachin driving-we feasted our eyes on these. Stuck also on the wall in, I guess what was , 24 inch font the mantra- 4 P’s-PERFORM, PERSIST, PERSEVERE, PARTNERSHIP.( And I added to myself if not perish)This could hold good for any aspect of life and be the key to success in any activity. I wondered if that was Guru Greg’s contribution to posterity. And when will we ever learn these lessons?
The ground itself was wonderful-lush green carpet, the pitch firm, with an even bounce and great to play. It was eerie to get in the center- surrounded by 50,000 empty yellow and red chairs with the sound of the ball hitting the bat echoing across the round. The stands, which we have so often seen on TV when seen from the ground itself, did not appear too impressive; they could do with a fresh coat of paint and general refurbishing.
The cricket match itself was incidental .The host team batted first. The match was a 25 over match (yet another condition-our legs not being in a position to hold our bodies beyond this). They piled up 147 runs. Obviously in a team like this joined together by nothing other than passion for the game it was necessary that everybody did get an opportunity to have a bowl and bat. I may add that the present team has a wonderfully talented youngster, Lokesh , of the latest batch , who has been posted to Mumbai for his attachment- a fast bowler and a very attractive left handed batsmen, I must add that he simply does not fit in our team; he is too good . He was the main bowler.
When our team had to respond, hallelujah, we batted well; initially the opposition indulged us before they realized that matters were slipping out of their hands-they did become serious. It was too late and we scrapped through with 5 wickets to spare in the last over. Oh the feeling! We went out of the stadium on a high. The week passed off well and we went on to the next match on Saturday feeling great.
Ah cricket, oh cricket, a wonderful, wonderful game full of uncertainties, a great leveler,(you have only to see a few of our TV stars like Yuvaraj, struggle in Australia, to realize that you should always learn to respect the game)
And as Ian Botham said , it doesn't matter how good you are. Sport is all about playing and competing. Whatever you do in cricket and in sport, enjoy it, be positive and try to win.( If possible by choosing your opposition carefully!.)
To paraphrase CLR James that magnificient philosopher of the West Indies who said What do they know of cricket who only know of cricket? May I suggest what do they know of life if they have not played cricket. Cricket they say is only a game-but is it ONLY so? Is it not an epitome of all that life is made of-the thrills ,the lows, the uncertainity, the lessons which we can and should learn-never take yourself too seriously, practise hard and regularly irrespective of results,the need for teamwork,coordination,understanding,tolerance,and yes acceptance,of results ;and yet they say ,cricket is only a game.