In conversation: Why Pakistan's love for Erin Holland isn't a one-sided affair

Popular sports presenter talks about her love for desi clothes, Pakistani food, PSL and of course, Ben Cutting

KARACHI:

All it takes for desi men to go crazy is a white woman dressed like a desi girl. Call it a burden or the imprint Diana’s ice blue shalwar kameez left on our cultural memory, the baggage is real and has transferred across generations more effortlessly than Babar Azam driving through the covers. Having said that, there’s a huge difference between white vloggers who come and go after teaching you how safe this country is for women and women of substance who take to their tasks more seriously than a white poster woman of Pakistan’s soft image.  

Sports presenter Erin Holland’s naturally appealing personality and commitment to her task of hosting the PSL has found her the balance between finding a place in the heart of Pakistani men and women, and an allure that doesn’t rely on exoticising everything local.  Of course, the optics of her awe-inspiring take on traditional attire have a lot to do with this combo but perhaps, a lot more has to do with the fact that she associates herself with Sana Mir, Zainab Abbas and Urooj Aftab, as part of the league who are going redefine women’s participation in sports. 

While the jokes about how she looks so perfectly ready for rishta had she been given a tea trolley to push are all funny and relevant, Erin has put a lot more at stake, including her love life to be a part of the PSL and it is only the Gulab Jamun and Biryani combo that helps her get over the blues.

"It takes time, I think," Erin opened up in a conversation with The Express Tribune. "But I am not just limiting this comment for women trying to make it big in sports. This, I think, goes for any profession. It's important to realise that it takes time. In my country, women have been working their way in and it is so refreshing to see Pakistan is giving more opportunities to women in sports. PSL is making way for women in cricket and this is something we should applaud."

She hopes one day, a young girl sees her or Abbas or Urooj Mumtaz Khan or Sana Mir and gets inspired. "I hope these young women look at us and see themselves in us. We're all one people and we are all here to play this sport we love so much."

For the love of Cutting

Erin is married to cricketer Ben Cutting who too is a regular feature at the PSL and while the couple has been in the country around the same time, Holland revealed she hasn't really had a chance to spend time with her spouse. "It's a very 'so close yet so far' sort of a situation," she said. "But he has to be very careful because of the SOPs so we haven't really spent any time together. But it's better than last year when I couldn't make it to Pakistan because of Covid-19 and Ben had to leave soon after our wedding. It was extremely hard. But it was a decision we took as a couple. We have no regrets."

Talking about how she's a bundle of nerves whenever Cutting is on the field, Holland added, "Whenever Ben is playing, I am just an absolute mess. There's so much pressure on the players to perform, it's really hard. They have to be in a bio bubble, they're really cut off from the outside world. Imagine just going out for food or gym and not being able to meet anyone; not meeting your family. It's not easy."

Holland then added how there's always an added pressure on international players. "They have to really prove themselves here. So, I do think there's an added pressure when you aren't from the same country," she added. "But I do think there's immense pressure on everyone. It gets very mentally taxing, very lonely. They live a very sheltered life. When people bash the players, I hope they remember this. I really hope things get better soon."

2m away.. the closest I’ve been to @Cuttsy31 since I’ve been here! 🥺 Separate bubbles isn’t much fun! The joys of broadcast in covid times 😅 pic.twitter.com/TFdiAOpgF3

— Erin Holland (@erinvholland) January 29, 2022

Having said that, Holland believes it's a sacrifice necessary for entertaining the fans. "I know the players must miss their families. I am really fortunate to be here with Ben. But you know what? I know everyone involved believes this is a sacrifice worth making. After all, cricket really unites us. It brings us so much joy. I can't wait to come back here next year and really have the privilege to celebrate the sport."

Coming to Pakistan again

"Oh, I am super pumped about returning to Pakistan!" she exclaimed. "This is my third installment of PSL and I am ecstatic to come back to Pakistan." Erin, thanks to the ongoing pandemic wasn't able to make it to Pakistan last year. "Oh, that made me miserable! I love this country and the people, the hospitality it gives to everyone. I was terribly sad I was going to miss that. I really enjoy my time here and like I said, people are so welcoming. It's unreal."

But Holland regrets she isn't able to really explore Pakistani cities due to the bio bubble restrictions. "I have always been very adventurous, if I may say so," she laughed. "But because of the bio bubble and the fact that we have to be so careful about being exposed to the general public, I haven't really had a chance to go out and roam around the city. I am really bummed about that, you know. I really wanted to go out, shop, try out different foods here. But of course, PSL trumps everything else, for now, so we follow the restrictions to the T."

Gulab Jamuns like it's going out of style!

Holland has also become a huge foodie when it comes to Pakistani cuisine. And like many, she's taken an immense liking to the finger-licking desi dishes and of course, she loves biryani! "Oh, biryani has to be my personal favourite," she commented.

https://www.facebook.com/ETLifeandStyle/posts/4848241188596426

"Even though my spice tolerance is really low but I cannot get enough of Biryani. It's scrumptious. My friends here are always making jokes about how I like my food really mild. They'd always say, 'There's spicy and then there's Erin spicy.' So, when they say the latter, I understand they know how I like my food." Adding on, she said, "I also devour paneer handi whenever it is in the menu. It's an absolute favourite."

Apart from biryani, Holland revealed she has a huge sweet tooth. "I am such a dessert person, God," she laughed. "I love Gulab Jamuns. How delicious are they! I am always having them like they're going out of style. I recently tried kheer as well and I loved it! But I think it's gulab jamuns that have a special place in my heart. 

The inner desi girl

Apart from her stunning western attires, Holland has taken on her inner desi girl in full stride. The host has often done traditional Pakistani wear during her time in the league and has nailed it to absolute perfection.

"A lot of people think I am a local now!" Holland quipped. "I do bring my own clothes from Australia when I come here, of course. But I am obsessed with Pakistani designers and their clothes. They're so beautiful, the work is so intricate. So many of my friends back home would literally beg me to bring back some of the pieces from Pakistani designers. They always ask who I am wearing, the people behind my style here. Everyone loves it."

However, she does have favourites. "I love Saniya Maskatiya and Suffuse by Sana Yasir," she shared. "They were so lovely and sent me some pieces back home. I love their work so much; I think they are absolutely fantastic." Holland also added how people suggest what to wear and how to don certain dresses. "I get so much feedback whenever I share my desi looks on Instagram. I love how people reach out and share suggestions on new brands, designers I can try out."

Zainab Abbas, the saviour

Holland, however, gives all the credit to Abbas for styling her immaculately. "Zainab has such a huge part in helping me with my wardrobe here. I am always calling her and asking her what and how should I wear this. She's been so great, honestly. She helps me pick the pieces I wear and is a huge help for anything I need to know."

Singing praises for her Pakistani counterpart, Holland added, "She didn't really have to be this lovely, you know. So, when I came to Pakistan the first time, we decided we should do traditional clothing for Fridays and it just became a weekly thing." She went on," Now, whenever I am here, I would just casually call Zainab up and tell her, 'Girl, send me some clothes!' She's become, my personal stylist! We've become really close over time. She's been so great. She could have been not so welcoming but she is just a lovely person. She has been nothing but an open book. She's taught me so much."

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