Younis Khan and Misbah Ul Haq, are not merely two outstanding batsmen but cricketers who played to the spirit of the game. At a time when cricket credibility as a gentleman’s game is being questioned because of the increasing number of unsporting incidents both on and off the field, these two players will stand out as classic examples of true sportsmen.
Younis, even after a spectacular knock, hardly displays any attitude, much unlike some of today’s cricketers who walk with a swagger and their nose up in the air.
Misbah, as captain, is an example for many to follow. Even though he has led Pakistan to the top in the world cricket ranking, his responses to questions on his team or his players are always modest. And if taunted with unwarranted questions after a defeat, he remains unperturbed. Given that Pakistan has a history of producing some brash cricketers and captains as well, these two players were special to interact with as a journalist.
Ever since the 2009 terror attack in Lahore which resulted in international cricket coming to a standstill in Pakistan, I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to report on almost all their brilliant knocks in the UAE. There have been numerous instances where they behaved like humans rather than star cricketers.
Once, while watching the Pakistan team train at the Dubai Cricket stadium on a hot and humid day, along with Pakistan journalists Shahid Hashmi and Abdul Majid Bhatti, we noticed Misbah coming out of the dressing room and then go back again. When he returned, he had three bottles of water with him, which he had brought for us. It was a huge gesture from a national team captain.
Staying calm
Younis is special in many ways too. Even if he is rushing back to the dressing room after a tiring practice session carrying his pads and bats, he has no hesitation in stopping for a selfie with a smile. Another commendable trait I have noticed in him is his respect for the batting turf. Irrespective of who bats last on a wicket, Younis takes care to see that he does not run over it with his boots and create cracks. His happy face is infectious, and his body language exudes a feeling of calm and relaxed mannerism even during tense moments.
Misbah is one of the most educated players in the team, and that shows in his mannerisms too. Despite his love for cricket he completed his Masters in Business Administration. When I had asked Younis and Misbah as to what gave them maximum pleasure in cricket, both replied that it was Pakistan’s victory.
