MITHI, SINDH: Cricket has always been the most popular sport in the country, but the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has taken this interest to a whole new level, making residents of remote regions optimistic about participating in the championship and getting recognized for their talent for the game.
The Thar Desert is one such place which is situated in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province and is prone to frequent droughts. The region ranks low on the human development index, with approximately 87 percent of its population suffering from multidimensional poverty, according to the Thar Foundation.
Despite these socioeconomic challenges, young residents of the region, like much of the rest of Pakistan, remain highly enthusiastic about cricket, especially the PSL contests. The tournament has also inspired its inhabitants to set up private cricket leagues to promote the shortest format of the game.
Mashooque Ali Umrani, co-organizer of the Mithi Cricket League (MCL) in Tharparkar district, told Arab News many people found it surprising that cricket was also played in the desert region. He said that his league held its first tournament in the area at the beginning of the year.
Cricketers pose for a group photo during a cricket match at Mithi Stadium in Tharparkar district on February 06, 2023. (AN Photo).
“There has been a long-held perception that cricket cannot be played in the Thar region due to the sandy soil,” he said while highlighting the problem of connectivity among various settlements. “However, cricket has expanded to Thar mainly because of the Pakistan Super League. The PSL has inspired such a fever that the youth are willing to cross all barriers to try their luck in the game.”
In Tharparkar, six tape-ball cricket leagues are held among 25 different teams, and about 400 players across the district are estimated to be affiliated with them. These leagues not only serve as an entertainment source but also provide a chance for people to earn a modest stipend.
32-years-old singer Ramesh Rahi poses with a poster at his residence in Islamkot town in Tharparkar district on February 06, 2023. (AN Photo).
“There are two categories of players: locals and outsiders,” Umrani explained. “For outside cricketers who come from far-flung desert areas, we arrange accommodation and food during the league matches. We collect donations from well-off people to pay guest players.”
“For a four-day league,” he continued, “a guest player is awarded a stipend of Rs8,000 to Rs10,000 [$28 to $35] on average.”
According to Rahat Ali Shah, a former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official, the provincial administration conducted hardball Sindh School Cricket at the district level which also invited teams from Tharparkar.
“Out of 240 school teams, eight participated in the event from this district,” he stated.
According to Dolat Singh, a 21-year-old all-rounder who represents Mithi Tigers, the growing number of cricket leagues in the region is providing greater opportunities to players and increasing the interest among spectators.
“Tharparkar has immense cricket talent,” he told Arab News. “We hope that PSL sponsors and owners will recognize this talent while visiting the region.”
“My personal goal is to represent Islamabad United in PSL, and my ultimate goal is to play for Pakistan’s national team,” he added.
Singh mentioned that there were many national cricketers who inspired him, including skipper Babar Azam, whose cover drive was famous around the world.
“In pace attack, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi inspire the youth,” he maintained.
Muhammad Sumair Kalhar, another cricketer from the region, said he wanted to “shine like Shadab Khan.”
“My bowling action matches Shadab Khan’s,” the 14-year-old told Arab News. “Hopefully, I will play for PSL and Pakistan like Khan one day.”
Ramesh Rahi, a 33-year-old resident of the area who likes to sing, said he had created his own PSL anthem to show his love for the league. The lyrics praise domestic and international players and blend Pakistan’s national language, Urdu, with several words of the local dialect.
Rahi said he had never watched a live PSL match in a stadium, though he enjoyed Twenty20 contests organized by tape-ball leagues in a local cricket ground.
“I invite PSL players to Thar from the core of my heart,” he said. “We will all welcome them here.”
