Chamba steals a march over India | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Chamba steals a march over India

Hindustan Times | BySubhash Rajta, Dharamsala
Apr 19, 2010 12:04 AM IST

Much before India registered their first win over England, a local team from Chamba, an independent province then, had achieved the feat. Chamba, now one of the 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh, hosted a club team from England in 1940 and beat them hands down at its famous ‘chaugan’, writes Subhash Rajta.

Much before India registered their first win over England, a local team from Chamba, an independent province then, had achieved the feat. Chamba, now one of the 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh, hosted a club team from England in 1940 and beat them hands down at its famous ‘chaugan’.

HT Image
HT Image

In what was a Lagaan-style match, the local team was an assortment of officials, from the Raja of Chamba’s court, and natives. “It was a one-innings match and a huge crowd had turned out to see it. I don’t remember the exact scores but the local team emerged comfortable winners,” said Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association founding secretary, SC Nayyar, who watched the match as a 10-year-old. Reliving memories that are almost 70-years-old, Nayyar recalled that the local team’s victory was engineered by a century from a gentleman called Mahant. “Unlike the others, this man didn’t have a proper kit and came out to bat barefoot. The English players protested, and it was only after much pleading by the locals that they allowed him to play,” said Nayyar.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

It turned out to be the turning point as he carted the English bowlers all around the ‘chaugan’.

“The locals told them (the English side) that he was an ordinary player and would last just a couple of balls. The English players took the bait and all they could do was rue their decision to let him in,” chuckled the 77-year-old.

Nayyar said all the team members had passed on, but their descendants had kept the kit they wore as souvenirs. “The striped blazers and white flannels for both the teams came from England. Their kit have become heirlooms for the families,” he said.

Apt, one would say.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On