When the Pakistan staff crossed the Wagah Border on Tuesday morning, two acquainted faces awaited coach Muhammad Saqlain and his assistant Rehan Butt. Those of their previous rivals however shut mates, Kamalpreet Singh and Jugraj Singh, now an SP in Amritsar. “They could have chosen to surprise us, but when we told them we were coming via Wagah border, they couldn’t hide the excitement and told us that they would be waiting,” says Saqlain.
Hugs and handshakes adopted, images have been clicked and lunch was taken collectively. “When I got to know they are travelling via Wagah Border, I decided to go and meet them,” says Jugraj.
“We have been close friends since our playing days and hadn’t met in a long time. We had lunch together while reminiscing about our playing days, catching up on everything that’s happening now and asking about the well-being of the families,” he provides.
The photograph of assembly Jugraj, the ace drag-flicker, adorns the highest of Saqlain’s Facebook timeline. Jugraj and Kamalpreet had introduced items for his or her mates throughout the border. Those have been moments when the strain between the 2 nations, off the sector, melted in a present of heat and affection.
Memories rolled forwards and backwards. Saqlain remembers an incident that he retains near the center. “In 2005, I was the captain of the team that was here, and Kamal was blessed with a daughter. His parents told me to name the child, saying it was the guest’s honour to do that. I named her Rehmat, since it was by the grace of God,” Saqlain remembers.
Time to catch up
Though placing on a robust present within the Asian Champions Trophy is their major goal, they wish to meet up with previous mates too. Butt, among the finest forwards of his time, is hoping to satisfy Gagan Ajit Singh and Deepak Thakur. “They were busy when we arrived, but hopefully on the way back we will meet. Every time I come to Amritsar, I usually tend to watch their games, which are popular back home. If I don’t get the time, I will take CDs with me. I’ve told them (Gagan and Deepak) to keep it ready,” Butt mentioned.
For Saqlain, assembly Gagan can be a chance to tease him, one thing each did usually throughout their taking part in days, earlier than Jugraj brokered peace. “Gagan was a very close friend and we used to spend our time together off the field. But on it, we used to rile each other up, tease, score goals and make each other angry. Eventually we decided – Jugraj was the mediator – not to fight on the field, especially since people were watching. But aggression is part of the game. Without that, the game loses charm,” Saqlain mentioned.
While there’s loads of catching as much as do, Saqlain is eagerly ready for Dhanraj Pillay to show up. Although it’s unclear when the Indian nice would come to Chennai, Saqlain is planning to hunt his time. “We also want to see our guru, Dhanraj Pillay. I want my players to meet him. If he comes, I will request him to give them a lecture. I used to like Dhanraj a lot when I was a player,” he says.
He recollects a fanboy incident. “This is a little embarrassing, but while we were playing in Australia, I was sitting around Dhanraj and he was drinking coke. I asked him if he can give me some as by drinking whatever is left, I will also get the same skills as him,” Saqlain mentioned.
Familiar metropolis
Chennai too is a well-known metropolis for them. The final time after they got here right here, for the Asia Cup, they explored the town with minimal fuss about their safety. That was a unique period, however one they fondly reminisce about. “We have fond memories of not just playing here but how we were welcomed. This time too, it is no different,” Saqlain says.
With an hour to go for his or her recreation in opposition to Malaysia, Saqlain and Butt met V Baskaran, the previous India captain and coach. When they took the sector for his or her opening fixture in opposition to Malaysia, they might hear the Maghrib from the mosque behind the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium. They would have travelled again in time, as they used to supply prayers on the mosque of their previous visits. A few hours later after their facet, comprising largely junior gamers, misplaced to Malaysia 3-1, Butt deviated from his path to the staff bus to satisfy a pal, whom he final met in 2007.
Having performed in an period the place India and Pakistan have been inseparable in main tournaments and crossed the border continuously for Test collection, a number of gamers are shut mates. But over the previous decade, political tensions have restricted their conferences to social media. “Our relationship is very close. I have gone to their place, they’ve visited mine,” says Saqlain.
He needs the 2 nations to resume their sporting ties. “So I feel the series should resume, be it cricket or hockey. Both nations need to show large-heartedness. That’s my request, even to India – you’ve progressed so much as a country, a lot superior, please open your heart a little more so that you can accommodate a few more people,” Saqlain says.
He urges the 2 nations to take a leaf out of the previous. “In 1999, PM (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee ji played a very positive role and even started Samjhauta Express. So it’s important to have continuity of the process,” he says.
“The amount of talent our two nations have, I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world. We have to let bygones be bygones and look at the future together. Everyone will benefit if we do that,” he provides, trying ahead to reviving previous reminiscences and making new ones.
