The ongoing World Cup proves the notion that Pakistan is oozing with talent.
The presence and performance of Pakistan-born players spread across the teams has caught attention and while they miss their country of birth, their decision to opt for may not have been wrong after all. In a country of around 180 million people, a lot of those who want to represent Pakistan, for obvious reasons, never make it. Some, who decide to settle abroad, are instead picked for other countries.
Imran Tahir, a Lahore-born, is playing for South Africa and with much success. From Gujrat, Mudassir Bukhari is donning Dutch colours. Apart from these, Pakistan faced two of their countrymen – Khurram Chohan and Rizwan Cheema – when they played Canada yesterday.
Chohan, who was born in Lahore, represented Pakistan under-19s besides playing for Lahore Whites, Lahore Blues and Lahore Lions. Cheema, the 32-year old from Gujrat, learnt the basics in Pakistan.
Cheema said most of the players hardly got a chance in Pakistan.
“Pakistan have thousands of talented cricketers,” Cheema told The Express Tribune. “Everybody is not that lucky to get a chance to represent the national team. In countries like Canada, if you show progress and promise, you’re likely to play at the top level.”
Chohan echoed the sentiments. “I performed well in first-class cricket and with the Pakistan ‘A’ team before I moved to Vancouver. I would have loved to play for Pakistan but I’m happy representing Canada.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 4th, 2011.
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