WHILE THE sports fraternity will be busy in celebrating Sports Day on August 29 to mark the birth anniversary of hockey wizard Dhyanchand, a man who represented Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy tournament way back in 1971, has no time to think of it. He has to work in the motor workshop for his livelihood.
Shakir Mohammad Qursehi, who was selected from Indore in 1971 in the State Ranji team, is struggling to make both ends meet.
The Sports Department and sports associations organise a number of events to celebrate the day but fail to remember the past heroes.
Shakir Qureshi was coached by the late Major M M Jagdale. Though he could not find place in the playing eleven, his presence was important for the team. A medium pace bowler, Shakir said that he had to left the game after he was injured during practice. “I got injured in the nose while fielding. When my mother learnt about the injury, she strictly stopped me from playing any more cricket”, said Qureshi.
His life was smooth when he went to Saudi Arabia and Germany to work. But the things changed for him when Al Fahad, a finance company that vanished after collecting crores from hundreds of people. He also lost Rs 22 lakh he invested in the compnay. “The company cheated me by not paying my dues. At present I am struggling to survive”, said Qureshi who is mechanic in Arabian Motors, Lal Ghati.
Such were his circumstances that he had to borrow money for his son’s wedding. He has two sons. On being asked about the difference in the cricket he played and the modern cricket, he said that game has become more a money-generating business. “The real cricket is the Test cricket. ODIs are entertaining but 20-20 cricket will destroy the game”, said Qureshi. Further, he said that the objective of organising the 20-20 cricket is to include it in the Olympics..
{{/usCountry}}Such were his circumstances that he had to borrow money for his son’s wedding. He has two sons. On being asked about the difference in the cricket he played and the modern cricket, he said that game has become more a money-generating business. “The real cricket is the Test cricket. ODIs are entertaining but 20-20 cricket will destroy the game”, said Qureshi. Further, he said that the objective of organising the 20-20 cricket is to include it in the Olympics..
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‘Ex-players should be honoured’
Qureshi is disappointed that the past players are not remembered. “There are a number of players who made the State and country proud on many occasions but are struggling for an average life”, said Quershi. He suggested there should some function on the Sports Day to honour past heroes.