Colonel Wasim, an unsung hero
Wasim’s strict attitude irritates players but after the spot-fixing saga, one cannot blame him.
At a time when approaches from any stranger can bear disastrous results for the team, Colonel Wasim Ahmed, Pakistan cricket team’s security manager, is the players’ guardian. ILLUSTRATION: JAMAL KHURSHID
He keeps quiet and keeps to himself yet is able to make his presence felt.
At a time when approaches from any stranger can bear disastrous results for the team, Colonel Wasim Ahmed, Pakistan cricket team’s security manager, is the players’ guardian.
Ever since the 2010 spot-fixing scandal tarnished the country’s image due to the selfish act of three teammates – Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir – the players have been under intense scrutiny.
Conversations, while on tour, are monitored and socialising is at a minimum.
For loyal fans and hungry reporters even, the development is an unfortunate one. But given the way players are approached, sometimes targeted, and the possible consequences justify Wasim’s attitude and salary.
While credit must be given to the players and the Pakistan Cricket Board for avoiding such a controversy to spring up, Wasim’s role cannot, and should not, be ignored.
An observation, made during the team’s training camp in Abbottabad, is convincing enough. As the team continued taking part in drills and practice sessions, Wasim was seen circling the ground outside the boundary rope.
Despite a physique that won’t make a lot of people jealous, the not-so-talkative security chief showed no signs of tiredness as the training session neared its end.
Glares but doesn’t talk
Maybe it is the nature of his job or just his style, but Wasim is not one to strike up a conversation. He seems like a cold guy — a person would think twice before approaching him for a question.
And that’s the reason why he’s been able to do a good job. A quick glare is enough to send the wolf away.
He stays attentive during the team’s stay in hotels to stop any unplanned activity by a player and has the guts to tick off any team member irrespective of seniority.
The army man has a love-hate relation with the media only due to his reluctance to allow any discussion with players without prior permission of the team management.
Wasim’s strict attitude irritates players but after the spot-fixing saga, one cannot blame him.
“Sometimes we feel like children,” said a player. “We’re told not to go here and not go there — we’re grownups and sometimes we feel embarrassed.
“But it his duty and we respect that. He is our team member and we regard and respect him. After all, he’s only ensuring full-proof security for us.”
Wasim, who also works for the International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption unit by providing his input, also has a duty to ensure implementation of the security code of conduct.
Not many know that this guardian, closely associated with the team for over two years now, prefers staying as the ‘unsung hero’ as he puts it.
With the ICC Champions Trophy in England around the corner, where Pakistan travel for the first time after the spot-fixing scandal, an unknown challenge awaits the soldier.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 21st, 2013.
At a time when approaches from any stranger can bear disastrous results for the team, Colonel Wasim Ahmed, Pakistan cricket team’s security manager, is the players’ guardian.
Ever since the 2010 spot-fixing scandal tarnished the country’s image due to the selfish act of three teammates – Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir – the players have been under intense scrutiny.
Conversations, while on tour, are monitored and socialising is at a minimum.
For loyal fans and hungry reporters even, the development is an unfortunate one. But given the way players are approached, sometimes targeted, and the possible consequences justify Wasim’s attitude and salary.
While credit must be given to the players and the Pakistan Cricket Board for avoiding such a controversy to spring up, Wasim’s role cannot, and should not, be ignored.
An observation, made during the team’s training camp in Abbottabad, is convincing enough. As the team continued taking part in drills and practice sessions, Wasim was seen circling the ground outside the boundary rope.
Despite a physique that won’t make a lot of people jealous, the not-so-talkative security chief showed no signs of tiredness as the training session neared its end.
Glares but doesn’t talk
Maybe it is the nature of his job or just his style, but Wasim is not one to strike up a conversation. He seems like a cold guy — a person would think twice before approaching him for a question.
And that’s the reason why he’s been able to do a good job. A quick glare is enough to send the wolf away.
He stays attentive during the team’s stay in hotels to stop any unplanned activity by a player and has the guts to tick off any team member irrespective of seniority.
The army man has a love-hate relation with the media only due to his reluctance to allow any discussion with players without prior permission of the team management.
Wasim’s strict attitude irritates players but after the spot-fixing saga, one cannot blame him.
“Sometimes we feel like children,” said a player. “We’re told not to go here and not go there — we’re grownups and sometimes we feel embarrassed.
“But it his duty and we respect that. He is our team member and we regard and respect him. After all, he’s only ensuring full-proof security for us.”
Wasim, who also works for the International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption unit by providing his input, also has a duty to ensure implementation of the security code of conduct.
Not many know that this guardian, closely associated with the team for over two years now, prefers staying as the ‘unsung hero’ as he puts it.
With the ICC Champions Trophy in England around the corner, where Pakistan travel for the first time after the spot-fixing scandal, an unknown challenge awaits the soldier.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 21st, 2013.