Tariq Saeed, father revives Urdu cricket comment in Pakistan | Cricket News
When Tariq Saeed was hit by a cricket ball over his right eye, the life of a college student at the time changed dramatically.
Until then, Saeed wanted to play cricket, do well and maybe one day represent Pakistan, the dream of many millions in the country but possible with only a few.
But the ball thrower left a large cut above his eye and left his life goals on the ground.
After that, I gave up cricket altogether. I was terrified of the ball. Every time I hit, I see two of the players running after me, “Saeed told Al Jazeera.
But those interested in the game, Saeed added, find a reason to be involved, as well as a strong connection to becoming a career – or a small partnership – in cricket.
“Growing up, I like to listen to commentators on Pakistani sports – Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasan Jaleel, Omer Kureishi to name a few.
“After I stopped playing, a friend took me to a show at FC College [in Lahore] and he caused me to make a comment.
“There, I was applauded. Later, an international competition that lit up the floods and top players in the country also took place in Lahore. I made a comment there on the PA plan with Abdul Qadir [former Pakistan cricketer] and Imtiaz Sipra [sports writer] came back to thank me later. ”
Saeed points to the event as a turning point, embarking on a journey that not only brought him many benefits and trips but also gave Urdu comment in Pakistan a new life.
Born in Montgomery District (now Sahiwal District), about 112km (70 miles) from Lahore, Saeed grew up in a sport-oriented culture. Named Sir Robert Montogomery during the British occupation of India, the region has produced many cricket and hockey players.
“My cousin loved hockey and cricket, and I went to see him playing. My father used to tell me stories about Syed Mohammad Jaffer [former India hockey player and Olympian] was born here, and I became interested in sports. ”
Progress for decades and Saeed is now one of the most popular words among cricket fans in the country.
With Pakistan currently lacking well-known cricket commentators, Saeed has also confirmed that the love of cricket fans and Urdu commentary has now been revived.
“Before 1970, Urdu commentary on cricket was not common. Even on the radio, it was available for five minutes. Since the 1970s, they have been given 50 percent airtime.
“But after the Lahore explosion [on Sri Lankan team bus in 2009], no one paid attention.
“The revival of Urdu commentary is very important in the international game of Pakistan. People missed that. Pakistan Cricket Board initiates Urdu comment in Pakistan Super League [domestic T20 league featuring international players] which is a good thing.
“When you look at India, it has comments in eight languages.”
I was watching nt20 and my mother who doesn’t watch cricket asked me who answers in urdu and i told her it was a myth and her name was tariq seeed and she watched the game until your comment ended … What a legendary you have words boss …
– Ahsan Ali (@ syedahsanali05) October 19, 2021
Saeed’s journey from the microphone in the Lahore flood-lit competition to the international games was not easy. At the age of 18, he was told he was too young when he approached Radio Pakistan to inquire about the opportunity to be part of the popular commentary.
But when Saeed tried his luck again two years later, with a new manufacturer, the results were very positive.
“Someone told me that a sports producer has changed on Radio Pakistan so I thought I would meet him. It was Khalid Waqar, the best radio producer of all time. He did my research and everything else is history. He is my teacher, my mentor and everything I learned later through in him. ”
In addition to commenting on cricket, Saeed also mentioned Urdu newspaper and is a journalist for Deutsche Welle in Pakistan. He has also commented on hockey and the Kabaddi World Cup final between India and Pakistan which made him realize that in some parts of the country, cricket was not the most popular sport.
But as athletes, Saeed said commentators need to monitor their minds and bodies, especially their throats which give them bread and butter.
“In the busy season, I do not drink cold water or soft drinks. No ice cream for me either. On match days, I drank tea before we mentioned. I wash with hot water frequently. You need to monitor your throat and make sure you do not eat anything sour or oily.
“I also make sure that I do not overreact to comments because it makes me sleepy which is not good when you are on the mic. You just have to be more discriminating with the help you render toward other people. If you miss a ball or any other sporting activity in the past, it becomes difficult as the game progresses. “
But monitoring and reporting on what is going on is not enough to keep the audience and spectators at ease, Saeed adds.
“Whether it’s a long game, such as a Tests or a high-scoring match, you have to make a drawing for the audience to enjoy. In Twenty20, everything is a reality so there is no time or need for it. that you not only obey but also do not delay. ”
As Saeed celebrates the return of cricket – a national game with the PSL – to Pakistan after a long drought, he is satisfied with the way his life went after an injury over his eye.
“About 95 percent of the people you see playing cricket outside the stadium are those who wanted to play cricket from time to time but have not fulfilled their dreams. I am happy to be one of them.”
