It also raises questions about Zimbabwean Cricket facilities, despite all the rosy things we hear of late. Here are the excerpts:
An Indian cricketer seldom gets the space to conduct a dialogue with himself, how could he be expected to empathise with the plight of other sportsmen? But something interesting happened in the West Indies where the World T20 tournament was held. Harbhajan Singh, during an interaction with two former Zimbabwe cricketers, was stunned to find that they were in a far more piteous state than what we have may imagined.
After returning from the West Indies, Harbhajan did his bit to make a difference. “But how did you come to know about it?” he asked. In a brief interaction with Mumbai Mirror he spoke about what he had seen, while admitting that the Indians played way below the standards they had set for themselves in the World T20.
Is it true you arranged cricket kits for a few Zimbabwe cricketers?
In the West Indies, I met with their former cricketers Heath Streak and Alastair Campbell. They were understandably concerned about what could be done to bring Zimbabwe back on track.
It was sad to hear Zimbabwe didn’t have sponsors to fund even the basic equipment for the sport. But I was shocked to find the kind of cricket gear they were using in the West Indies. Some of their top-order batsmen carried the type of bats usually used in school cricket. I couldn’t believe it and asked how they were playing with such kits in a tournament as big as the World Cup.
When I saw those school bats I realised how lucky we Indians were. I remembered my under-16 days in Jalandhar. All I had was a pair of Ace shoes in my bag. That was the world for me. It was only when I enrolled myself in the Punjab academy that I got a proper cricket gear. And then I told myself, “Wah!"
How did you start the process?
On return, I spoke with some of my friends. I was keen they have the right shoes, the right bats required at the highest level. Reebok volunteered to help and so did KG Sports. I also approached a friend of mine who works with ANM Sports. These three firms have been extremely supportive. I think the kits have already reached Zimbabwe by now.
I always thought Harbhajan was a foul mouthed thug, glad to see him doing some good.
Neil Johnson, Alistair Campbell, Murray Goodwin, Andy Flower (w), Grant Flower, Dave Houghton, Guy Whittall, Heath Streak (c), Andy Blignaut, Ray Price, Eddo Brandes
CHRISTOPHER MPOFU: 'The problem was fear of failure. I used to think that when I played, if I didn't do well in one game, I would lose my place for the next one but now I've let go of that'
Great move Harbi. Hope the good gesture is replayed by good performances..
CHRISTOPHER MPOFU: 'The problem was fear of failure. I used to think that when I played, if I didn't do well in one game, I would lose my place for the next one but now I've let go of that'
CrimsonAvenger wrote:Harbhajan Singh has probably done the best deed he has ever done in his life,
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LOL....agree with u
Zim Rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr Satendra Singh, Delhi, India
Twitter: @drsitu
