China will play cricket on the world stage for the first time during the November 12-27 Games in Guangzhou, having qualified for the Twenty20 competition by virtue of being the hosts. But Miandad, one of the mentors of the fledgling sport in China, said the country’s cricketers could prove to be the surprise of the tournament.
“Cricket may not be very popular in China, but it is a known fact that when they decide to do something, they go all out,” said Miandad. “Same is the case with cricket. The Chinese are very quick learners. Just as an example, they have a player who until three months ago did not know what cricket was, he was completely clueless. But today he can bowl leg-breaks as good as many professional players.
“Their complete devotion to mastering anything is simply awesome. Something that is missing in Pakistan and India,” said the former batsman. Miandad, who says he will travel to Guangzhou to encourage his wards, has been in constant touch with former internationals, Rashid Khan of Pakistan and Aminul Islam of Bangladesh, who coach the Chinese men’s team.
The women’s team is coached by former India player Mamatha Maben. With India opting out of the competition and other top cricketing nations like Sri Lanka and Pakistan fielding second-string teams, China is hoping for a podium finish.
Cricket was last seen at a major multi-sport event at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, but was dropped for the next three editions in England, Australia and India.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2010.
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