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Cricket (Sport)

Cricket Legend Qamar Ahmed Speaks Out on Match-Fixing and Ball-Tampering Scandals

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Legendary sports journalist and cricket commentator Qamar Ahmed recently spoke about the long-standing issues of ball-tampering and match-fixing in the sport, highlighting the targeting of Pakistani and other Asian players by Western teams and cricket boards. Ahmed emphasized that match-fixing is a global problem, not limited to a specific region, and that umpires from Western countries have historically made biased decisions against players from Pakistan and other Asian nations. In the same event, Ahmed shared stories from his 55-year career in journalism, including his experiences with cricket legends, world leaders, and iconic figures from the film industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Qamar Ahmed claimed that ball-tampering has existed in cricket since its early days, but Western teams and cricket boards have frequently targeted Pakistani and other Asian players with allegations.
  • Ahmed stated that match-fixing occurs globally and is not restricted to a particular region, citing instances where umpires from Western countries have made biased decisions against players from Pakistan and other Asian nations.
  • The sports journalist praised cricket legends such as Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Hanif Mohammad, Zaheer Abbas, and Javed Miandad for their incredible skills and achievements.
  • Ahmed recalled a personal memory from the 1950s when he met Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy, who later became the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
  • The author mentioned meeting prominent world leaders, including British royalty and iconic figures from the Indian and Pakistani film industries.
  • Qamar Ahmed shared an anecdote about Imran Khan's love-hate relationship with Javed Miandad and the latter's response to Imran's downplaying of his abilities.
  • Ahmed praised Zaheer Abbas, calling him one of the most stylish and accomplished batsmen, and noted that his record of 108 first-class centuries remains unbroken.
  • He described Majid Khan as a gracious cricketer and recalled an unusual incident in New Zealand where he slaughtered two chickens for Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin.

Statistics:

  • Qamar Ahmed has a 55-year career in journalism.
  • 108 is the number of first-class centuries achieved by Zaheer Abbas.
  • The incident involving Qamar Ahmed slaughtering two chickens for Mohammad Azharuddin took place in New Zealand.

Sources:

  • Qamar Ahmed's autobiography "Far More Than a Game"
  • BBC
  • International newspapers
  • TV networks
  • Liaquat National Hospital event hosted by Dr Salman Faridi
  • Cricket legends and world leaders mentioned in the event, such as Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Hanif Mohammad, Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Imran Khan, Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy, British royalty, and iconic figures from the Indian and Pakistani film industries.

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