Is Cricket bigger than Life ?

[MIG]

Congratulations to Pakistan on this victory - but is Cricket so important?

At approximately 7:30pm, Bahrain time on Sunday night – Afridi hit a six. It was a fantastic shot and with the game poised at a knife edge. This was indeed a welcome relief for many sweaty palms - including those of my friend Wasim and I - watching this game live in our living room. One can only imagine the jubilation of Pakistani supporters at Lords, Pakistan and all other parts of the world where this team has its fanatical following – they must have been dancing in the stands and in streets – Pakistan’s road to victory was suddenly clear to many. At about the same time, Wasim received a frantic phone call from the wife of a dear friend of ours – “Please come quickly – my son, Tariq, has collapsed” Without hesitation, Wasim and I rushed to Tariqs house where we found him collapsed on the floor. He was cold and as far we could ascertain, devoid of life or very close to it. At the same time, my phone beeped again – it was my son telling me of another 4 by Malik or Afridi – didn’t matter – he was clearly happy as must have been millions glued to their TV screens. To us, though, the drama of real life was unfolding in front of our eyes. Tariq was finally pronounced dead by paramedics, at around 9:30pm Bahrain time. As we informed the mother of her loss, my phone beeped again – “congratulations” said the simple message from a friend in the UK – another beep and the SMS proclaimed “Yeah – we are the champions of the world” – but somehow these messages and their message got drowned out in the wailing of Tariq’s mother and his sisters. Tariq was buried today after Asr prayers. His distraught father, who had been away overseas on a business trip, arrived in time to administer ghusl on his son and prepare him for his last journey. As I returned to work thinking of the passing nature of our life on earth, my eye suddenly focussed on some “mithai” on my desk ! A Pakistani colleague of mine had gone to the trouble of buying Mithai for our floor to celebrate Pakistani victory. He obviously did not know of Tariq – nor did I expect him to know. What struck me was the actual meaning of this victory to him as he walked around our floor distributing good news to Indians and other nationalities – the pride in his gait and voice was obvious. In the midst of all this I a thought occurred in my head - Was the world finally going crazy? Have we lost all sense of priorities in life? Was a silly game played by 22 players in pyjamas bigger than the life of a 23year old son? But hang on !!! Surely, there were millions of happy faces watching their team achieve a well deserved victory? These were faces mentally scarred with endless bad news from all quarters – of bomb explosions in places of worship – of a country being run over by Taliban – of visiting teams being attacked in broad daylight – of thousands sitting in temporary shelters as the Government and Taliban fought it out. And then it became clear to me. If a game like cricket could provide so much hope to a hopeless people, If it could put a smile on the face of even one parent living in fear for the future of their children - If people would spontaneously erupt in mass celebrations and forget for one day, just one day, all the troubles of the world then... Cricket HAD to be bigger than Life! Whatever happens in the world – whatever individual tragedy befalls us – when we are down or feeling let down - this fine game will always provide us with the hope that we need. Cricket is indeed bigger than life - Long Live Cricket and Long Live Hope!

P.S. Tariq was a loving son and brother - he will be missed by all of us..

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

[Shahid A]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

[abc_to_xyz]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon!


A nice article which realizes that only game is not a life... I also had same feeling when I saw people wildly celebrating on streets... I can bet that even if our all crises comes to an end, not much people will celebrate it that way..

[Vegitto1]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

[Lethal]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Elayhi Rajiounn

[Boi]

MIG that brought tears to my eyes reading that.
May Allah give the Strength to Tariq's family to cope with this huge loss.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilahi Raajioon.

[JeeraBlade]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

[AZ]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

OMG that was terrible...May the Almighty watch over your friend's family in these difficult times

[waqar akram]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilahi Raajioon

may allah grant Tariq an exalted darja in heaven and may allah give his family peace and patience to accept the loss. ameen

[eViLrAcEr]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Elayhi Rajiounn

but i must say, nothing is bigger than life. It's just that I take it in a different sense (like celebrating with guns...might cause people to lose lives)

but anything that gives hope in such moments is extremely close to the heart
i lost a 9 year old cousin named Tariq last december too, i can only imagine that the pain my uncle went through must be 3 times less of what this Tariq's parents might have gone through

May Allah give them all the strength

[Atif]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

May Alllah give Saber to Tariq's family and friends

[darkmoon459]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon, May Allah grant him a place in Jannat and give his Family the strength to deal with their loss. To all pray for Tariq and his family.

[Sufian84]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

[Rudi hater]

cricket is never bigger than life its a sport. I am sorry to say I have just been told by my brother that one of reverts guys from our town was coming back after spending a whole day in a park trying to propagate Islam in a fair. He was coming back on his motor bike and some Pakistani guys were celebrating Pakistani victory by driving recklessly and going on footpath and surviving on the road, this poor chap was going back to his house and they nearly ran him over fortunately he survived but then stopped only to be stabbed by these yobs by the flag stick which pierced through his nose and he fell there and currently going through surgery but doctors has said that he will be disfigured for rest of his life.

I like to celebrate but I am afraid kind of celebration I witnessed were totally unacceptable and childish. I just want to know is that how one should celebrate?? I am truly ashamed to be called a Pakistani. When a fellow muslim that too who was revert was stabbed.

MIG I am sorry to hear about Tariq.

[observer1]

Interesting.

Which is why i always say Win, Lose or Draw it simply does not matter.

Just a game, you will never enjoy it if you get so obsessed with it. There are more important things in life to be focused on.

Really does put things into perspective.

[Rudi hater]

Cricket pretty much dominate my life but what I witnessed is totally outrageous and disgusting, uncivilised and uneducated behaviour on the streets of my town.

[Khabri420]

Inna Lillahi wa Inna Elaihi Raajeoon.

May ALLAH (SWT) grant Tariq with Jannah, forgive his shortcomings, and provide sabr to Tariq's family to overcome this huge loss. Ameen!

[aws]

Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilihi Rajioon

[DonJee]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

"People say Football is a matter of Life & Death, - I can assure you it is much, much more important than that" - Bill Shankly

Sometime sports are bigger than life

[mmkextreme_1]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

[muzher]

"Remember that the life of this world is but a sport and a pastime..."

- Qur'an, 57:19.

[rash]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

[nazimcricket]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon.

I remember the day my father passed away, I went for a long walk in order to get some alone time. To this day, I remember thinking how strange it was that on the most tragic day of my life, the sun was still shining and people were going about their daily tasks with smiles on their faces. It felt so unfair that the passing of this man who I loved dearly went unnoticed by so many.

In time I came to realise that everyone goes through this at some point in their life. On the most heart-wrenching day in the lives of Tariq's family and friends, people around them were preoccupied with celebrating a cricket match. Seems absurd and yet I now firmly believe that it's this normality of life around us, the enjoyment of sport, the day to day activities which force us to carry on living and in time heals the wounds caused by the loss of a loved one.

[MIG]

Originally Posted by observer1 Interesting. Which is why i always say Win, Lose or Draw it simply does not matter. Just a game, you will never enjoy it if you get so obsessed with it. There are more important things in life to be focused on. Really does put things into perspective.

But that is my point.

Look at the happiness it brought to the multitudes - those who are still living?

Nothing can bring back Tariq (and May ALLAH grant him a place in Jannah) - but something so silly and contrived like a T20 match can uplift whole nations - isnt that power really something?

Its also amazing the memories people round the world will have of Sunday.

For some it will be the day Pakistan won the T20 Cup - for a few others, it may well be the day their loved one departed from this world or even the day Tariq died.

[who_dares]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon.

May his soul rest in peace (aameen)

[mooz]

Originally Posted by nazimcricket Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon. I remember the day my father passed away, I went for a long walk in order to get some alone time. To this day, I remember thinking how strange it was that on the most tragic day of my life, the sun was still shining and people were going about their daily tasks with smiles on their faces. It felt so unfair that the passing of this man who I loved dearly went unnoticed by so many. In time I came to realise that everyone goes through this at some point in their life. On the most heart-wrenching day in the lives of Tariq's family and friends, people around them were preoccupied with celebrating a cricket match. Seems absurd and yet I now firmly believe that it's this normality of life around us, the enjoyment of sport, the day to day activities which force us to carry on living and in time heals the wounds caused by the loss of a loved one.

RIP Tariq.
Great post nazimcricket.

[PlanetPakistan]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

[Keith]

Coming from SA I realised in 1995 (Springboks became world champs for 1st time) how important sport can be for a nation. The uniting effect that success on the sportsfields brings to a nation cannot be underestimated. I witnessed that 1st hand in 1995. People of all colours, ethnicities, religions came together and celebrated as if they were 1. I witnessed that again in 2007 when the springboks repeated the class of 1995.

My main concern would be how the authorities use this time immediately after such a victory. SA missed a trick and did not utilise the success of 1995 the way it should have been used.

I am hoping that the authorities, back in pakistan, take this euphoria and utilise it to the advantage of the country. There is a spirit of one nation united which must not be allowed to wain.

With regards Tariq, may his soul rest in peace. may God grant strength to his family and friends. It brings back the memories of my dearly departed friend, whose death happened on the day of the semi vs pakistan. Even when grieving we used sport to honour his memory.

It makes 1 realise that sport may only be a game, but it has the ability to unite people like no other event can, even during the toughest of times.

[ehjaz]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

[MIG]

This is the link to the story on Tariq in the local newspaper.

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsD...storyid=253824

[nazimcricket]

Originally Posted by MIG This is the link to the story on Tariq in the local newspaper. http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsD...storyid=253824

Were you or Wasim the ones who provided CPR?

Do you think the family missed a trick by alerting you (the neighbours) instead of calling an ambulance straight away?

[MIG]

We didnt provide CPR - as with most of these things - memories are a little hazy - even for the people invloved - when we arrived on the scene, the paramedics had been contacted and a local doctor had arrived as well.

Fact is that Tariq had been dead for a while - Allah knows what brain damage he would have suffered if they had managed to revive him.

There are many what ifs here - it was his time to go.

[nazimcricket]

Originally Posted by MIG We didnt provide CPR - as with most of these things - memories are a little hazy - even for the people invloved - when we arrived on the scene, the paramedics had been contacted and a local doctor had arrived as well. Fact is that Tariq had been dead for a while - Allah knows what brain damage he would have suffered if they had managed to revive him. There are many what ifs here - it was his time to go.

I wondered as it's the what-ifs which really torture a family.

I know someone who spent 15-30 minutes extra at work one day and unfortunately in that time frame her daughter committed suicide. This person still blames herself for not being home at the critical time

As you said, it was his time to go. I hope the family are able to find the strength to deal with this tragedy.

[Waseem]

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon

Cricket is not bigger than life and that's why i think it was a good decision to take the players to safety after their return to Pakistan. It was too big a risk to let them come close to the fans (UNFORTUNATELY).
Fans should have been told in advance about this though.

[muhammad saad]

Inna Lillahi wa Inna Elaihi Raajeoon.

Terrible news.

[DHONI183]

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ

Very tragic and sad............

It shouldn´t, that´s all I can say! It´s all but sport meant for our fun, enjoyment and entertainment.

[KA$H]

read something in teh metro this morning About how 3 people were killed during teh cricket celebrations in Pak - one of them i think an 8 year old girl - shot while celebrating on the balcony in her house

guns have to be banned in that country

[Phuzz]

Very sad story, but sport in general does give people hope.

[eViLrAcEr]

Originally Posted by KA$H read something in teh metro this morning About how 3 people were killed during teh cricket celebrations in Pak - one of them i think an 8 year old girl - shot while celebrating on the balcony in her house guns have to be banned in that country

yeah, this is sad that during celebrations, many of our people forget the value of life and fire away without thinking of the consequences

[the SHA]

Subhanullah, talk about a reality check.

Jazakullah khairun for the ayat reminder Muzher. I think though that the correct reference of that ayat is 6:32 (Surah An'am):

"What is the life of this world but play and amusement? But best is the home in the hereafter, for those who are righteous. Will ye not then understand?" (6:32)


http://www.islamicity.com/QuranSearch/

[fahimszd]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon!

U know what we cannot leave behind the realities of life, and in life of every single person, there are times of joy and happiness, and there are times of sorrow as well, as they are the parts of life. People come into this world and everyone has to go, and this is the biggest reality of life. But the life has to move forward and this is what the life is all about.

[MIG]

Originally Posted by fahimszd Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon! U know what we cannot leave behind the realities of life, and in life of every single person, there are times of joy and happiness, and there are times of sorrow as well, as they are the parts of life. People come into this world and everyone has to go, and this is the biggest reality of life. But the life has to move forward and this is what the life is all about.

And this is the strangest thing of all - I spoke to many of our friends after the funeral and each of them went home that evening and checked the scores - almost wanting to hear or experience some good news.

Humans are optimists by nature - all they need is a little spark of hope.

[insaftak]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon!

simple question how often do people die and how often a country wins a world cup?

[muzher]

Originally Posted by the SHA Subhanullah, talk about a reality check. Jazakullah khairun for the ayat reminder Muzher. I think though that the correct reference of that ayat is 6:32 (Surah An'am): "What is the life of this world but play and amusement? But best is the home in the hereafter, for those who are righteous. Will ye not then understand?" (6:32) http://www.islamicity.com/QuranSearch/

Apologies brother, the reference is in fact Surah 57, Al-Hadid, verse 20. As you mention there is also a similar verse in Al-An'am.

Reading Qur'an in such times is especially important and reminds us that Allah (swt) does indeed know best.

[MIG]

Originally Posted by insaftak Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon! simple question how often do people die and how often a country wins a world cup?

And I agree that this how life is.

All I want to stress here and we can leave it be for the moment - is the power of this game in bringing joy to millions. Even with a tragedy like Tariq's in our midst, people can still feel some element of hope or joy to uplift them. This to me is the power of this game. And YES. Even cricket - like other blessings - is a gift from God.

[IM NOT YOU]

i think cricket is 'bigger than life' in the sense that it brings us together, merges talent, committment, teamwork, and intelligence all in one, in a way that no other thing can do.

politics, business, school, family; these are all things that can't quite bring the excitement/joy that reap when a middle stump goes flying in a 1 run off 1 ball situation to finish the match whether it be in a world cup final or in the backstreets of your neighbourhood.

no matter how hard times get, sports always bring welcome emotions into our lives and are a pleasant distraction from some of the hardships and problems we face.

which is why, amidst the bombings, corruption, political battles, and social consequences that are faced in Pakistan, there is still time for the whole country to smile and celebrate together with hands up high. Even outsiders like myself can finally show their head up high to represent their country of origin instead of constantly having to defend our country and the image it has with respect to misinformed foreigners.

I'm sure Tariq's soul will be at peace knowing he left he world when our country was on top of the world, for just one moment. Long live cricket, and the joys and distractions it brings to our otherwise stress filled lives.

[Saqlain_doosra]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

[Inswinger]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon.

Extremely saddening news. I fell for the parent that lost a 23 ear old son. May Allah give them the strength to get through these tough times.

[mamoo gogo]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raajeeon...sad story...May Allah grant Tariq Jannah, and his family with sabr...Aameen!

[filosofee]

Originally Posted by Keith Coming from SA I realised in 1995 (Springboks became world champs for 1st time) how important sport can be for a nation. The uniting effect that success on the sportsfields brings to a nation cannot be underestimated. I witnessed that 1st hand in 1995. People of all colours, ethnicities, religions came together and celebrated as if they were 1. I witnessed that again in 2007 when the springboks repeated the class of 1995. My main concern would be how the authorities use this time immediately after such a victory. SA missed a trick and did not utilise the success of 1995 the way it should have been used. I am hoping that the authorities, back in pakistan, take this euphoria and utilise it to the advantage of the country. There is a spirit of one nation united which must not be allowed to wain. With regards Tariq, may his soul rest in peace. may God grant strength to his family and friends. It brings back the memories of my dearly departed friend, whose death happened on the day of the semi vs pakistan. Even when grieving we used sport to honour his memory. It makes 1 realise that sport may only be a game, but it has the ability to unite people like no other event can, even during the toughest of times.

Nice post Keith.

Death is inevitable, it's tragic when it appears out of nowhere to take people when they're young. However, as truly happy moments are few they must be enjoyed fully.

[MIG]

Just thought I would bump this up in light of Bilal's tragic death.

May ALLAH have mercy on the souls of both deceased ( Tariq and now Bilal)

[insaftak]

after hearing about the death of Bilal, i have to reconsider my post. shocking stuff

[Osman]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raajeeon

In answer to the question MIG (and i am a cricket fanatic btw) i strongly believe under no circumstances can cricket ever be bigger than life. Many reasons for that.... one being the death of Bob Woolmer over 2 years ago now.

[Wassixpakistani]

Nope , I used to consider Cricket above everything when I was a kid but today I am a matured young man who knows a lot more about life than what I did at that time . Cricket is merely a game and nothing else , It is only a hobby of mine that I like quite a lot . Seriously its not even worth a comparison with life , for Muslims mostly .
Will Cricket make you a better Person ? Will Cricket help you get good grade s ? Will Cricket guarantee you a good future ? Will Cricket teach you to be a good Muslim ? Will it save you at the Day of Judgment ? , No it will certainly not.
I have many young friends who abandon their studies and forget everything about their surroundings and only concentrate on Cricket , When Pak loses a match they think as if life has ended . It really makes me mad to see our young generation throw their life away just because Pak lost a match .
Its only a Game and nothing else.

After hearing about our brother bilal's death , I love my life even more than I already had .

[MIG]

A little reminder as we approach the T20 World Cup ....

Tariq remains in our prayers.

[Radiance Of Australis]

Read each and every post on this thread,though old,I'm replying now.

I remember hearing news of celebratory firing in Pakistan killing some people after the T20 win.It made me think,the friends and family happily celebrating the victory and enjoying,what about them?One minute they are at the top of the world with happiness and the next,they are mourning the death of their close ones.

Very sad to read about the death of a young 23 year old man.
May Allah Forgive His Sins and Grant Him Paradise.Aameen..

[StraightHit]

No it is not larger than life but one should not underestimate the power of sport to unite people from different states, religions and so on.

It is merely a game and should be enjoyed for what it is.

[boom-boomx6]

a 23 year old death ..thats really sad ..imagine what his parents must have gone trough .seeing dead body of a 23 year old son ... Inna Lillahi wa Inna Elaihi Raajeoon.
...rest in peace tariq ..

[pakmania]

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon

Cricket as in MIG's case and Bob Woolmer's case is second to life,its totally irrelevant in fact.

I'd rather have Pakistan crash out of the group stage and lose to Netherlands and have your Tariq back alive.

[MIG]

Originally Posted by pakmania Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illahi Rajiyoon Cricket as in MIG's case and Bob Woolmer's case is second to life,its totally irrelevant in fact. I'd rather have Pakistan crash out of the group stage and lose to Netherlands and have your Tariq back alive.

Wallah - so would have his parents but such is life and HIS will.

[MIG]

Exactly 2 years now.

May ALLAH grant Tariq a place in Jannah, Ameen.

[W63L35]

Originally Posted by MIG Exactly 2 years now. May ALLAH grant Tariq a place in Jannah, Ameen.

Yes, May ALLAH grant Tariq a place in Jannah, Ameen.

What was the "medical" reason for his death .... if I may ask?

[MIG]

It was never clear - he had a broken leg and a plaster - one reason could be a clot due to tightness of the plaster.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

No offence intended but cricket is fairly inconsequential outside the sub-continent/former British colonies. Following Pakistan is a fools game considering their best players are banned and their leftovers don't know where their next game is.

[talha3]

Originally Posted by Cpt. Rishwat No offence intended but cricket is fairly inconsequential outside the sub-continent/former British colonies. Following Pakistan is a fools game considering their best players are banned and their leftovers don't know where their next game is.

No but other sports in other countries are as big as cricket is in the subcontinent.

Is sport bigger than life? - is the real question.

[James]

Originally Posted by Cpt. Rishwat No offence intended but cricket is fairly inconsequential outside the sub-continent/former British colonies. Following Pakistan is a fools game considering their best players are banned and their leftovers don't know where their next game is.

Post is sad but true, I'm a cricket nut but a bit of a weirdo for it

[sid81]

Rest In Peace Tariq

The incidents mentioned in this thread brought me tears

[MIG]

Originally Posted by Cpt. Rishwat No offence intended but cricket is fairly inconsequential outside the sub-continent/former British colonies. Following Pakistan is a fools game considering their best players are banned and their leftovers don't know where their next game is.

Agreed but this was written at a time when we actually thought we were on the verge of greatness (Amir, Asif etc)

[MenInG]

Cant believe its been 3 years ....

But life goes on and cricket continues to bring hope to to millions round the world.

Dont be disheartened by the likes of Kaneria or Salman Butt - they dont represent you or me - they represent Greed.

May ALLAH grant Tariq a place in Jannah, Ameen

[MenInG]

Another reminder for us all as we reminisce on our victory in 2009 and something to ponder about

[Executioner]

its sad but i dont understand the relationship between the title of the thread and the incident

[MenInG]

Originally Posted by Executioner its sad but i dont understand the relationship between the title of the thread and the incident

Someone passed away while Pakistan was celebrating its biggest triumph for years - it was a sad day but it paled in front of the comfort and joy it brought to millions. Its the contrast that I wanted to bring to the fore.