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
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.
COMMENTS (10)
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I know the Colonel very well. The part about him referring to himself as a hero is just made up by the author to make his article believable. But I do contend that he has shown remarkable restraint and professionalism in this very distracting and corrupt field of operations.
@Truth Hurts: Let me simplify it for you. In any organization, there are a select few people who get recognized and applauded for their work. These people are difference makers who help the organization succeed. That is not mediocrity, that is excellence and it is celebrated in every culture and country across the globe. We have not had any fixing scandals in our cricket team since the last England tour. In sure that's at least partly due to this guy doing his job so I say Bravo! Keep it up. As big and powerful an industry as gambling is, you don't think he's been tempted or intimidated by bookies to look away? So far he has made the right choice. That's strength of character. What's not heroic about that ? A hero doesn't need to be a Hercules. Is this guy a hero like Nelson Mandela ? No, but there are every day heroes at every level and they can be sources of inspiration for every one. You just have to open your eyes and learn to appreciate instead of marginalizing everyone.
@Adil:
Nah. The "true sorry story of this nation" is that we have sunk so low that we now celebrate somebody for just doing his/her job. Is that we expect nobody in this nation to actually do for what he/she is being paid?
@Ullu: Even if one were to agree with your ludicrous definition of "hero", nothing in this article suggests this individual is doing anything "above and beyond what's required". But seeing as how championing mediocrity is now our favourite past-time, at least you're celebrating a person who seems to be doing what he's supposed to.
I'm willing to believe this individual is a thorough consummate professional, but to call him a hero is absurd. The fact that he refers to himself as an "unsung hero" is even worse. What that title ends up conveying is that our players are so morally bankrupt, not to mention stupid, that were it not for him, every single one of them would be spot fixing/betting right now.
No player of Pakistan Team is happy with him. And I dont understand why PCB has appointed him when there is also a vigilance expert (Major Azhar). Plus in South Africa, there was a security guard from local cricket board too, so what was his role there? Most of the times Col Waseem is seen getting rude with fans.
I agree. If his post is advertised in the newspapers dozens will apply. I am sure he makes a lot and also gets the opportunity to travel with the national cricket team. He has a job he should be thankful of. I cant understand how is he a hero?
@Asif Butt! you are the true sorry story of this nation, always reluctant to praise and always forefront to throw garbage. Get over with it dude and try to appreciate someone's good work...
@Asif butt: everyone gets paid to do a job but not every one does their job. The people who do their job really well, above and beyond what's required, are most certainly heroes. Especially if their hard work makes a difference and improves their team as well. If this guy does his job seriously, professionally with dedication then he is certainly a hero in my book. Instead of being callous you should learn to appreciate ordinary people who do their jobs sincerely every day without fail. These people are the unsung heroes who make the world go around.
Hope Col. Sahib is well equipped with latest technology too. Although most of the cricketers like other youth are not well educated but their expertise is very strong in modern technology compared to Col. Sahib's generation.
I cannot believe the existence of this article.
He is paid for what he does and he was selected since he was a professional.
What makes him a "HERO" is out of my comprehension.
And why an article is based on a single man whom no-one ever heard of before , I dont know whats wrong with you ET.
Good to know someone here is doing his job.