Cricket is played everywhere in Pakistan. On streets, in parks and wherever there is an area big enough for this game. People of all classes and faiths play it. All that the poor require to play is a bat, a few bricks which become the wicket and a tennis ball which is wrapped in tape so that it will last longer.
When Pakistan plays in international tournaments like the recent World Twenty 20 in India, people are seen in the bazaars, in tea shops, and other places watching the game on television. If India beat Pakistan there is much disappointment. Television sets can be smashed. The cricket team can be accused of match-fixing and on their arrival back in Pakistan they can receive a hostile reception. Because they feel as though they are treated as second class citizens, many Christians are happy when Pakistan losses.
Some years ago it was a great honour for the Christians that one of their own, Yousaf Yohanna, made it into the Pakistan team as a very good batsman. He used to make the sign of the cross when he made a good score. This really gave the Christians a big encouragement with the result that they were more positive towards their national team. Sadly something happened and he became a Muslim. The Christians felt betrayed and down-hearted.
Opportunities for the Christians and the poor to participate in organized sport are rare. With this in mind, the Columban parish of St Thomas in the town of Badin, Hyderabad Diocese, recently organized two cricket tournaments in which a number of teams participated. Although meant for Christians, being short of players, Hindu players were asked to make up the numbers. Unfortunately because of the security situation in the country and because of the fear of the possibility of the misuse of the “Blasphemy Law” Muslims were not invited to play. The venue was an open area of ground on the outer part of Badin City. Although the area was bare soil with no grass it was still deemed to be a suitable pitch.
Before play commenced participants gathered to hear the rules and regulations. It was stated clearly that the umpires’ decision was final. (We had no replay T.V. third umpire). A knockout system was the way of the tournament. It was recalled that Jesus as a young man when He walked on this earth, must have been involved in sport in one way or other. A minute’s silence was observed for the victims of the terrible suicide bomb attack in Lahore which happened on Easter Sunday, killing over seventy people.
The St Columban team batted and bowled well but was knocked out in their first game. The hot midday sun beat down on the players, yet overall the games were played in a very positive spirit. At the prize giving it was stated that participation in sport is very beneficial for good health and the Christian way of life. It can also prevent dangerous problems such as drug addiction from entering a person’s life. Trophies were distributed to the winning team, the runner up team and the “best trying” team. Then all ate well and went off happily, having enjoyed the day which had given them a “lift” despite the many hardships in their daily lives.
Columban Fr Daniel O’Connor has spent several decades as a missionary in Pakistan.