A memorable year in many ways. We had been to Maidstone today morning for Passport interview.
Need to review the year in more detail and make goals for 2015.
Wednesday 31 December 2014
Tuesday 30 December 2014
Dhoni decides to walk away from Tests
Today morning I woke up to the surprising news that Dhoni has decided to retire from Test Cricket with immediate effect. He will not be playing the last Test of the current series in Sydney. The abruptness of this news took everyone by surprise.
Some former players are very critical of the fact that he had chosen to go mid series. I think in the larger scheme of things this is a very good decision and whether he should have played the last test is a minor point.
I have been a vocal critic of Dhoni, the Test Captain , in the last 3 Years. I believed that away from home his captaincy had reached a dead end. No fresh ideas, no imagination. We kept being hammered and Dhoni continued to do the same things. But he still was good enough to continue as a wicketkeeper batsman for 1-2 years in Tests.
I must confess I have a soft spot for Dhoni as I am also from Ranchi and went to the same school as Dhoni. Dhoni single handedly put Ranchi on the World map. I am obviously very proud of him.
In hindsight this may prove to be one of the best decisions he has taken.
He could easily have hung around for another 10 tests, to archive the milestones of 100 tests, 5000 test runs, 300 dismissals. To his credit he didn't do that. We have seen some of the greatest icons of Indian cricket hankering after these well past their prime. Kapil Dev and Tendulkar come to mind.
Dhoni the Test Captain had to be replaced. But I think his achievements as a wicketkeeper batsman in Tests are greatly under rated. They got overshadowed by his captaincy. By any yardstick he is head and shoulders above all other Indian wicketkeeper batsmen. Kirmani played 98 tests compared to Dhoni's 90, has only 198 dismissals compared to Dhoni's 290. Dhoni was good enough to play purely as a batsman for a majority of his Test career. he has nearly 5000 runs with 6 hundreds with a highest score of 224. He was a match winner with the bat on his day. He was very consistent too. He would invariably score at least 20-30 runs. Rarely would he fail to make a contribution.
But people keep talking about his awkward batting technique and the fact that he was never considered a stumper in the classical mould. But he was always effective. His numbers speak for themselves.
I think the grind of being the wicketkeeper Batsman and captain in all 3 formats as well as IPL took its toll on him and has curtailed his Test career. He is BCCI's golden goose and especially N Srinivasan's and they never tried to balance his workload.
I hope, now freed of Test Captaincy, he will bring India another World Cup.
People are talking of his legacy not realising he is only 33. Misbah and Younus Khan are 40 but still going strong. So Dhoni is here to stay for many more years. At the moment he is one of the best ODI batsman in the World.
His place as one of the greatest cricketers India has ever produced is secure. He is the only captain to have won the World Cup, the T20 WC, the Champions Trophy as well as led India to No 1 ranking in Tests.
All of Ranchi will be egging their 'Mahi' to go on and on. The legend of this small town boy may grow bigger and bigger.
Thursday 25 December 2014
Christmas
IWe are at Vineet's new house in Woodley, Reading celebrating Christmas with them.
They have invited many other people, so we will have a great time......
Monday 22 December 2014
PK
Ammar's holidays have started.
Yesterday we watched PK in Cineworld Ilford. Vivek and family had also come from Reading. The film is good no doubt, but the second half dragged a bit.....Farah and Shweta loved the movie as did Ammar & Viji.....
Later we had dinner in Saravana Bhavan,
Ilford.
Friday 19 December 2014
Monday 15 December 2014
Virat
A must read article in Cricinfo by Mukul Kesavan - I completely agree with him that he should be made full time test captain now.
When Defeat Isn't Depressing
Sunday 14 December 2014
London By Night
We did 'London by Night' yesterday......we covered Tower Bridge, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Canary Wharf etc etc. It was wonderful.
Friday 12 December 2014
Today
When you move to a new place, one of the things to locate is the mosque or Islamic Centre. I went for Jumma Namaaz to NWKIC - North West Kent Islamic Centre in Crayford. This was originally a Church now converted into a mosque. This is a common occurance in the West as the number of active Churchgoers has gone down.
Anyway, it is about 8 min drive from my house and the jamaat was pretty good.
It seems the community here has a majority of Bangladeshis. But thankfully the khutba was in English, unlike Norwich where the whole taqreer would be in Bangla.
We also watched the movie 'The Message' with Urdu dubbing today. It is perhaps the best movie/documentary on Islam I have ever seen. Ammar loved it too.
Wednesday 10 December 2014
Nobel for Malala & Kailash
Hugely proud moment today when Malala and Kailash Satyarthi got their Nobel Peace Prize.....
Tuesday 9 December 2014
Move to Dartford, Kent
We moved to Dartford, Kent on 29th of Nov. We are still settling down here. We decided to move towards the end of October. It was not an easy decision considering the fact that Chelmsford was such a lovely city and we had a great house. Anyway Insha Allah if the purpose for the move is achieved in March next year then it will be worth it.
Thursday 13 November 2014
Bhagam Bhag
So much of running around......so much to do. But by the grace of Allah things are falling into place slowly. Hope all this effort bears fruit. 'Work from Home' option is coming in so handy at this time....
We may have to leave Chelmsford in 2 weeks time. It has happened so suddenly. I had developed so much fondness for this town and the house we are living in here, it is difficult to go. But then this happens with me whenever I had to leave any place, Hyderabad, Ilford, Norwich........
But this is life......change is the only constant in life and in time I find that it brings so many new opportunities.....hope this one does too....
A new world record was set today...Rohit Sharma hit a staggering 264 , the highest score in ODI cricket. The previous best was by Sehwag 219. All 4 double hundred in ODI's are scored by Indians.....this one will take some beating, but you never know, anything is possible now. Somehow these records have lost their excitement now....I don't know why.....
We may have to leave Chelmsford in 2 weeks time. It has happened so suddenly. I had developed so much fondness for this town and the house we are living in here, it is difficult to go. But then this happens with me whenever I had to leave any place, Hyderabad, Ilford, Norwich........
But this is life......change is the only constant in life and in time I find that it brings so many new opportunities.....hope this one does too....
A new world record was set today...Rohit Sharma hit a staggering 264 , the highest score in ODI cricket. The previous best was by Sehwag 219. All 4 double hundred in ODI's are scored by Indians.....this one will take some beating, but you never know, anything is possible now. Somehow these records have lost their excitement now....I don't know why.....
Tuesday 11 November 2014
Lots Happening
I have been very busy for the last 1 month or so, so haven't blogged much. It is mostly personal commitments which kept me busy.....
We maybe moving from Chelmsford by end of November.......
Anyway, lots to do but many good things have happened also.
In Cricket, I have been closely following the resurgence of Pakistan and especially the 'golden oldies' Younis Khan and Misbah. What a purple patch they are having. Misbah at 40+ has now his 3 hundreds in a row, one of which was made in 56 balls equaling the record for the fastest hundred in Tests by Viv Richards. Younus Khan has now scored 4 hundreds in 5 innings, one of those a double hundred......amazing stuff. In between Azhar Ali and Ahmad Shahzad are also piling up the runs.
India is beating SL hands down in ODI Series.......it is too one sided.....I am barely following it.....India is number one ODI team......
Hoping to me more regular in my posts from now on......
We maybe moving from Chelmsford by end of November.......
Anyway, lots to do but many good things have happened also.
In Cricket, I have been closely following the resurgence of Pakistan and especially the 'golden oldies' Younis Khan and Misbah. What a purple patch they are having. Misbah at 40+ has now his 3 hundreds in a row, one of which was made in 56 balls equaling the record for the fastest hundred in Tests by Viv Richards. Younus Khan has now scored 4 hundreds in 5 innings, one of those a double hundred......amazing stuff. In between Azhar Ali and Ahmad Shahzad are also piling up the runs.
India is beating SL hands down in ODI Series.......it is too one sided.....I am barely following it.....India is number one ODI team......
Hoping to me more regular in my posts from now on......
Sunday 2 November 2014
WhatsApp Mania
I am blogging after a long gap. I must start doing it more frequently.
In the last 2-3 days my cousin sisters have formed a whatsapp group 'Darulaman' - this is the name of my maternal grandparent home in Patna, Bihar.
Old photos are being shared and the discussion has become very interesting. My cousins from India , US and here in UK are all consumed by it. It is proving to be a good platform to bring everyone together.
In the last 2-3 days my cousin sisters have formed a whatsapp group 'Darulaman' - this is the name of my maternal grandparent home in Patna, Bihar.
Old photos are being shared and the discussion has become very interesting. My cousins from India , US and here in UK are all consumed by it. It is proving to be a good platform to bring everyone together.
Wednesday 8 October 2014
A New Venture
Farah has got into something new which has got her all excited. Hope she gets the desired results......
Wednesday 10 September 2014
8 Best Practices in Software Testing
Article I wrote for Infosys Newletter -
Best Practices in Software Testing
By Azfar Alam, Principal
Consultant, FSI-IVS
‘Best Practices in Software Testing’ is a topic on which
anyone who has ever been involved in Testing, will have a view. Also, anyone can spend a few minutes on
Google and get a lot of stuff on that. Hence the best way to approach this
topic is to highlight those points which one has found most useful in one’s own
experience.
1.
Process
is Testing Team’s Biggest Ally
The very nature of Tester’s job is to find
faults, and try to break the application which the Development Team has built
with much hard work and planning. Hence Testing Teams will frequently find
themselves taking a position contrary to that of the Development Teams. This
may give rise to disagreements and conflicts. In these situations the Testers
should remember that their biggest ally is the Test Process which is clearly
laid down and agreed by all. As long as they have followed the Process
correctly, they will always have the ‘higher moral ground’ in any disagreement
or conflict situation.
Testers should also try to take emotion out
of a conflict situation. They should not focus on individuals but should always
shift the focus to the Test Process and say to the other party ‘It’s not me who
wants you to do this, it is the Process. I am bound by that too’.
2.
Top
Management Buy-In Into Testing
Testing Team’s task becomes doubly
difficult if the top stakeholders in the Programme/Project don’t have an
understanding of the value it brings. Hence it is very important for the Test
Delivery Manager/Test Manager to constantly showcase the critical role Test Team
plays and the value it brings to the table.
3.
Testers
need to keep enhancing their Domain & Business Knowledge
Testers have to understand that even
through at the beginning of a Test Engagement they may be doing only
‘Functional Testing’, but very soon the Customer expectation will be that they
pick up knowledge on the Domain and Business side as well. This is key to the
longevity and success of Test Engagements.
4.
Need
for a good working relationship with the Dev Team/Other Key Stakeholders
Test Teams need to strive to create good
working relationships based on respect with the Development Teams, BA’s and
Designers. This will help in everyone working towards a common goal rather than
getting into conflicts and ego clashes.
5.
Test
Manager – Effective Reporting and Showcasing Value
A good Test Manager ensures that
the Test Team understands and is committed to the Test Process. Once that
happens the Test Manager needs to support the Testers and stand by them when
they come under pressure.
Test Manager also needs to
provide frequent and effective reporting to the senior stakeholders and keep
showcasing the value of the Test Team. This will keep the morale of the team
high.
6.
Proper
Test Environments
Many a Test Engagement have
failed to deliver effectively due to lack of proper Test Environment. Sometimes
we see System Test and UAT happening on the same environment. This is a recipe
for failure.Test Environments should not be compromised due to lack of time/money.
7.
Test
Automation is not a silver bullet
Test Automation is an excellent way to
increase Test Efficiency and coverage. But many a times it is projected as a
‘solution for all Testing Issues’. This is a fallacy. Test Automation has its
limitations and these should be clearly highlighted.
This will help in managing expectations.
8.
Use of
Statistical Techniques and Metrics
There are many useful statistical tools and
techniques which can be used to bring a more scientific approach to testing and
to optimise testing. Some being – Orthogonal Arrays, Six Sigma. Testing Metrics
should also be chosen carefully to fit the purpose and then should be tracked
for Test Compliance as well as continuous improvement.
Monday 8 September 2014
Wednesday 3 September 2014
Meeting Qamar Ahmed Sahab
On Aug 22nd, we had gone to Lord's to watch India Vs Middlesex match at Lord's. My cousin Shujju Bhaiya (Shuja Hoda) had planned this trip. Ammar & myself had gone. It was a good match, the first match India had won on this tour. Of course now they have won the ODI series very comprehensively. Kohli made a well compiled 71.
Anyway the highlight for me was something else. It was meeting Mr. Qamar Ahmed, famous sports journalist from Pakistan. He has covered more than 400 Test Matches in the last 40 years around the world. He is also the cricket correspondent for 'The Dawn' newspaper. He is a well known personality in cricketing world.
He also happens to be a relative of Shujju Bhaiya and they have known him from the days when Qamar Ahmad Sb was living in London in the 70's.
We met in the stands in Lord's Cricket Ground and had a chat for 20-30 min. He has some really fascinating stories to tell.
He was also a spinner and played First Class Cricket for Hyderabad, Sindh. He is the only bowler in history to dismiss all the famous Mohammad Brothers (Hanif, Wazir, Sadiq and Mushtaq).
He told us about the time when Imran and Javed Miandad used to live in his flat in London in the 70's in London. He had a famous falling out with Imran during the 1992 World Cup. They didn't speak for the next 12 years till Imran met him in 2004 at Lord's and invited him for lunch.
He also recounted couple of very fascinating cricket stories. It would be great to spend more time with him.
He has helped Peter Oborne write the book on Pakistan Cricket called 'Wounded Tigers'. This book has come out recently.
He is a very affectionate and down to earth person despite his achievements as a cricket correspondent and writer.
I have also shared some of my writings on Cricket with him and requested for his feedback. Let's see if he finds the time to respond !!
Anyway the highlight for me was something else. It was meeting Mr. Qamar Ahmed, famous sports journalist from Pakistan. He has covered more than 400 Test Matches in the last 40 years around the world. He is also the cricket correspondent for 'The Dawn' newspaper. He is a well known personality in cricketing world.
He also happens to be a relative of Shujju Bhaiya and they have known him from the days when Qamar Ahmad Sb was living in London in the 70's.
We met in the stands in Lord's Cricket Ground and had a chat for 20-30 min. He has some really fascinating stories to tell.
He was also a spinner and played First Class Cricket for Hyderabad, Sindh. He is the only bowler in history to dismiss all the famous Mohammad Brothers (Hanif, Wazir, Sadiq and Mushtaq).
He told us about the time when Imran and Javed Miandad used to live in his flat in London in the 70's in London. He had a famous falling out with Imran during the 1992 World Cup. They didn't speak for the next 12 years till Imran met him in 2004 at Lord's and invited him for lunch.
He also recounted couple of very fascinating cricket stories. It would be great to spend more time with him.
He has helped Peter Oborne write the book on Pakistan Cricket called 'Wounded Tigers'. This book has come out recently.
He is a very affectionate and down to earth person despite his achievements as a cricket correspondent and writer.
I have also shared some of my writings on Cricket with him and requested for his feedback. Let's see if he finds the time to respond !!
Tuesday 2 September 2014
Political Crisis in Pakistan
The long marches led by Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri has been going on for nearly 20 days now. They have been staging a 'dharna' in the 'Red Zone' of Islamabad and now in the gardens of the Parliament. A few days back the Police tear gassed and lathi charged them. But they continue to stay put demanding the resignation of Nawaz Sharif among other things. With the all powerful army coming into the mix from time to time, this has created a crisis for the government.
Many observers say that they are enjoying the support of the powerful military. Both Imran & Qadri deny that.
Whatever be the hidden agenda behind this (if there is one!), the fact remains that Nawaz Sharif's government has been goofing up on most of the major issues. In fact they have created many on their own. One of these has been the Model Town Killings when Police opened fire on unarmend supporters of Tahirul Qadri and killed 14 and injuring many. For this shameful incident, the government didn't file a FIR.
Proper attention was never paid to Imran's demand that the election rigging should be checked by opening the rolls for only 4 constituencies. This was never taken seriously.
Now the government is in a conundrum how to strike a deal with Imran & Qadri and persuade them to end this impasse.
This has also brought into sharp focus the fact that most of the top posts in the government are taken by the Sharif family members. Even Nawaz Sharif's son and daughter who are political novices are given plum positions.
So certainly Nawaz Sharif, who came to power with a huge mandate one year back, will be considerably weakened after this (that is if he survives this !!).
And, that might be the 'hidden agenda' behind this.
Many observers say that they are enjoying the support of the powerful military. Both Imran & Qadri deny that.
Whatever be the hidden agenda behind this (if there is one!), the fact remains that Nawaz Sharif's government has been goofing up on most of the major issues. In fact they have created many on their own. One of these has been the Model Town Killings when Police opened fire on unarmend supporters of Tahirul Qadri and killed 14 and injuring many. For this shameful incident, the government didn't file a FIR.
Proper attention was never paid to Imran's demand that the election rigging should be checked by opening the rolls for only 4 constituencies. This was never taken seriously.
Now the government is in a conundrum how to strike a deal with Imran & Qadri and persuade them to end this impasse.
This has also brought into sharp focus the fact that most of the top posts in the government are taken by the Sharif family members. Even Nawaz Sharif's son and daughter who are political novices are given plum positions.
So certainly Nawaz Sharif, who came to power with a huge mandate one year back, will be considerably weakened after this (that is if he survives this !!).
And, that might be the 'hidden agenda' behind this.
Tuesday 19 August 2014
Another Eyewash by BCCI?
Today we got the news that Ravi Shastri has been appointed as the Director of Cricket by BCCI and he will be in charge of the ODI's in England. He will be in 'charge' even though Duncan Fletcher continues as head coach. This appointment and the communication has baffled Indian Cricket fans......and I think that was one of the intentions why this was done. First of all there has never been a position called 'Director of Cricket'....so what is Ravi Shastri's role? If he is there then why is Duncan Fletcher there too?
I think Ravi Shastri has a very shrewd cricketing brain. He is one of the best captains India never had. But he has to be given a extended time to work with this team.
Apart from this the fielding and the bowling coaches have been 'rested' and replaced by 2 Indian coaches. One can understand the fielding coach, but the bowling in England was more or less as expected so why is the bowling coach 'rested'?
As usual BCCI has provided the minimum communication and motives for doing this.
I think the motive is clear, BCCI wants to show the Indian public & media that they are taking some drastic steps. They want to cut the noise. They want to make sure that the hue and cry dies down so that they can get back to status quo. They can carry on with 'Business as Usual' which means no harm done to IPL and the TV rights etc etc.
Do they have a long term plan in mind to improve India's showing away from home? I don't think so. This is purely a damage control exercise.
It seems the BCCI may have decided to sacrifice Duncan Fletcher after this tour is over. He is anyway disposable. Everything else will remain as it is.
The way Indian Team surrendered the last 3 tests in this series would have made even Bangladesh squirm with embarrassment. India has now lost 13 out of the last 17 tests away from home. Had this happened to any other country, the captain, the team management, the support staff would have been shown the door. But nothing much changes with Team India. We keep seeing the same faces.
The BCCI needs to sack Duncan Fletcher immediately after this tour. Let's find a good coach. There are many around like Tom Moody or maybe an Indian coach.
Dhoni should be replaced as Test Captain. The big question is who can replace him. I would suggest that Kohli should be made the Test Captain despite his horror show with the bat in England. I think he is strong enough to regain his batting form and also handle captaincy. This TINA (There is no alternative) factor everyone is talking about is pure rubbish. There are always alternatives. We have hit rock bottom, the team can only go up from here. Dhoni has no new ideas, and he is set in his ways in Test Cricket. He should lead India in limited overs and play in Tests purely as wicketkeeper-batsman. This may improve both his batting and keeping.
Will BCCI take this debacle seriously and do a proper review and then take some long term measures? They did not do much after 0-8 whitewash in 2011 so there is not much hope.
BCCI keeps administering 'Disprin' to the patient (Indian Cricket) who is suffering from Cancer. It needs surgery !!
I think Ravi Shastri has a very shrewd cricketing brain. He is one of the best captains India never had. But he has to be given a extended time to work with this team.
Apart from this the fielding and the bowling coaches have been 'rested' and replaced by 2 Indian coaches. One can understand the fielding coach, but the bowling in England was more or less as expected so why is the bowling coach 'rested'?
As usual BCCI has provided the minimum communication and motives for doing this.
I think the motive is clear, BCCI wants to show the Indian public & media that they are taking some drastic steps. They want to cut the noise. They want to make sure that the hue and cry dies down so that they can get back to status quo. They can carry on with 'Business as Usual' which means no harm done to IPL and the TV rights etc etc.
Do they have a long term plan in mind to improve India's showing away from home? I don't think so. This is purely a damage control exercise.
It seems the BCCI may have decided to sacrifice Duncan Fletcher after this tour is over. He is anyway disposable. Everything else will remain as it is.
The way Indian Team surrendered the last 3 tests in this series would have made even Bangladesh squirm with embarrassment. India has now lost 13 out of the last 17 tests away from home. Had this happened to any other country, the captain, the team management, the support staff would have been shown the door. But nothing much changes with Team India. We keep seeing the same faces.
The BCCI needs to sack Duncan Fletcher immediately after this tour. Let's find a good coach. There are many around like Tom Moody or maybe an Indian coach.
Dhoni should be replaced as Test Captain. The big question is who can replace him. I would suggest that Kohli should be made the Test Captain despite his horror show with the bat in England. I think he is strong enough to regain his batting form and also handle captaincy. This TINA (There is no alternative) factor everyone is talking about is pure rubbish. There are always alternatives. We have hit rock bottom, the team can only go up from here. Dhoni has no new ideas, and he is set in his ways in Test Cricket. He should lead India in limited overs and play in Tests purely as wicketkeeper-batsman. This may improve both his batting and keeping.
Will BCCI take this debacle seriously and do a proper review and then take some long term measures? They did not do much after 0-8 whitewash in 2011 so there is not much hope.
BCCI keeps administering 'Disprin' to the patient (Indian Cricket) who is suffering from Cancer. It needs surgery !!
Friday 8 August 2014
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi
A few days back Sayeeda Warsi, who is the first Muslim to be a Minister in UK, resigned. She made this brave decision as she felt that government's position on the Gaza Crisis had become 'morally indefensible' for her.
Her resignation is a first high profile resignation anywhere in the world in protest against Israel's brutal assault on Gaza. This includes the Arab world also. This may cost her political career. She had a spectacular rise in politics especially being a British Muslim women in the Tory Party. She was quite close to David Cameron.
Her resignation got me interested and I tried to find out more about her. I saw some of her interviews on Youtube. She is very comfortable with her Muslim identity and at the same time being British. She was frequently seen in her Shalwar Kameez and Dupatta in Parliament and in office.
Being born and brought up in England to Pakistani parents, she speaks very good Urdu. This is not very common. In one of her interviews she said that she is Hafiz-e-Quran.
She is very articulate and charming. She is able to answer very tough and uncomfortable questions in a tactful manner, never being lost for words. A lawyer by profession, she is very well informed and logical. All and all, she is an extremely impressive person.
Only time will tell whether this moral stand she has taken will spell the doom for her political career or it becomes the turning point.
I hope that she is able to play a more active role in British politics. She is an excellent ambassador for British Muslims.
About Me
Her resignation is a first high profile resignation anywhere in the world in protest against Israel's brutal assault on Gaza. This includes the Arab world also. This may cost her political career. She had a spectacular rise in politics especially being a British Muslim women in the Tory Party. She was quite close to David Cameron.
Her resignation got me interested and I tried to find out more about her. I saw some of her interviews on Youtube. She is very comfortable with her Muslim identity and at the same time being British. She was frequently seen in her Shalwar Kameez and Dupatta in Parliament and in office.
Being born and brought up in England to Pakistani parents, she speaks very good Urdu. This is not very common. In one of her interviews she said that she is Hafiz-e-Quran.
She is very articulate and charming. She is able to answer very tough and uncomfortable questions in a tactful manner, never being lost for words. A lawyer by profession, she is very well informed and logical. All and all, she is an extremely impressive person.
Only time will tell whether this moral stand she has taken will spell the doom for her political career or it becomes the turning point.
I hope that she is able to play a more active role in British politics. She is an excellent ambassador for British Muslims.
About Me
Monday 4 August 2014
Eid, Butlins and Other Updates
Writing this blog after a gap of almost 7-8days.
Eid was on the 28th of July. We had a very good time , Masha Allah. There was a get-together at Atiya Khala's place in Leytonstone. We had gone there. On the way back we had picked Fahad (Farah's cousin). Fahad stayed the next day at our place.
August 1st- 4th we had gone to Butlins, Skegness. Came back mid-day today. We did some really different activities there including Archery which was a first for me. We also watched the movie 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' plus watched the Commonwealth Games. India did well to finish 5th in the medals tally.
In the meantime India lost the third test by a huge margin. Jadeja and Anderson have been let off, which is a good decision. It is going to be a uphill battle for India from here onwards. Cook and Bell are back in form.
Eid was on the 28th of July. We had a very good time , Masha Allah. There was a get-together at Atiya Khala's place in Leytonstone. We had gone there. On the way back we had picked Fahad (Farah's cousin). Fahad stayed the next day at our place.
August 1st- 4th we had gone to Butlins, Skegness. Came back mid-day today. We did some really different activities there including Archery which was a first for me. We also watched the movie 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' plus watched the Commonwealth Games. India did well to finish 5th in the medals tally.
In the meantime India lost the third test by a huge margin. Jadeja and Anderson have been let off, which is a good decision. It is going to be a uphill battle for India from here onwards. Cook and Bell are back in form.
Sunday 27 July 2014
Gaza Crisis and the Role of Egypt
Since Israel's brutal offensive on Gaza called 'Operation Protective Edge' took a turn for the worse, I have been trying to understand the history of this conflict better. I would say that I have a limited understanding now. Without any doubt this conflict is much more complex than the one we have seen closer home in India, the Kashmir Issue.
In case of Kashmir, there is no dispute on the fact that there has always been a region called Kashmir there. The conflict is about, when the British left, whether Kashmir should have become part of Pakistan, or India or it should have become independent.
Whereas in the case of the Arab-Israel conflict, the fundamental dispute is about the carving out of a homeland for Jews in a region where they had been a very small minority. And in doing that displacing the Palestinian majority (80% in 1948) from their lands. It was the homeland for Palestinians for 800 years. It was a grossly unjust decision by the western powers. It is said that when the British Raj ended, they made sure that they would leave behind a situation which they knew would be the cause of great strife in that region. The creation of Israel and the Kashmir Issue are the best examples of this.
To complicate matters since then the West has backed and armed Israel, the Arab countries have fought wars with Israel in 1948, 1956, 1967 and 1973. Israel has come out on top in most of these wars. This is despite the fact that it was surrounded on all sides by hostile Arab countries like Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, Saudi Arabia,Iraq and Iran. Most of these countries are huge compared to the size of Israel. The main reason for that has been the disunity and mistrust between the Arab nations.
I was reading somewhere that today the size of the Egyptian Army itself is more than the whole population of Israel !! Admittedly it will be difficult for any of these Arab countries to get into a full scale war with Israel now as it has nearly 200 nuclear warheads but there are so many other ways of confronting and pressuring Israel.
As the Israelies have continued to build illegal settlements and keep increasing their share of the area in complete defiance of International laws and UN resolutions, the Palestinians are forced to live in small areas. One such is Gaza which is adjoining Egypt on its western side. It is said that Gaza is so thickly populated that if anyone throws a stone it is sure to hit some one. Imagine what will happen if it is constantly pounded by missiles and bombs from F-16's !! The toll in the current operation has reached more than 1000, mostly women and children.
One can keep condemning Israel for this brutality. It has become a law unto itself with the backing of the West.
But what about the role of the Arab countries in this crisis. Rather than extending any help to the people of Gaza they are just sitting and watching.
Most shameful is the role of Egypt in this crisis. As you can see in the map, the only border with Gaza not controlled by Israel is the Rafah border with Egypt. And Egypt has sealed this border !! Leave aside allowing refugees they are not even allowing humanitarian aid to go through this border to Gaza. We should all hang our heads in shame at the conduct of a fellow Muslim country to the suffering in Gaza.
The reason Egypt gives for closing the Rafah border is that in earlier conflicts when they opened the border, it was flooded with refugees from Gaza who bought so much food, petrol and other supplies that it caused shortages and price rise in that region of Egypt.
Is this not a small price to pay for helping people who have nowhere to go for help?
The real reason is International pressure and the control of the west on the military regime in Egypt. Al Sisi's conduct in this situation has been deplorable. He heads the biggest army in the Arab world but chooses to look the other way.Egypt has not even allowed help coming from Iran to reach Gaza as they fear Iran wants to increase its influence in Palestine. Is this the time to have such a narrow view of things.
In the earlier wars with Israel, Egypt was in the forefront. Gamal Abdel Nasser was a much respected leader across the Arab world. It is sad to see the stand the same country has taken now.
The lesson for the Muslim Ummah is clear. It can have all the resources in the world but it will have very little influence if there is disunity and mistrust.
We hope and pray that the suffering of the people in Gaza ends soon and a lasting solution is found to this issue.
In case of Kashmir, there is no dispute on the fact that there has always been a region called Kashmir there. The conflict is about, when the British left, whether Kashmir should have become part of Pakistan, or India or it should have become independent.
Whereas in the case of the Arab-Israel conflict, the fundamental dispute is about the carving out of a homeland for Jews in a region where they had been a very small minority. And in doing that displacing the Palestinian majority (80% in 1948) from their lands. It was the homeland for Palestinians for 800 years. It was a grossly unjust decision by the western powers. It is said that when the British Raj ended, they made sure that they would leave behind a situation which they knew would be the cause of great strife in that region. The creation of Israel and the Kashmir Issue are the best examples of this.
To complicate matters since then the West has backed and armed Israel, the Arab countries have fought wars with Israel in 1948, 1956, 1967 and 1973. Israel has come out on top in most of these wars. This is despite the fact that it was surrounded on all sides by hostile Arab countries like Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, Saudi Arabia,Iraq and Iran. Most of these countries are huge compared to the size of Israel. The main reason for that has been the disunity and mistrust between the Arab nations.
I was reading somewhere that today the size of the Egyptian Army itself is more than the whole population of Israel !! Admittedly it will be difficult for any of these Arab countries to get into a full scale war with Israel now as it has nearly 200 nuclear warheads but there are so many other ways of confronting and pressuring Israel.
As the Israelies have continued to build illegal settlements and keep increasing their share of the area in complete defiance of International laws and UN resolutions, the Palestinians are forced to live in small areas. One such is Gaza which is adjoining Egypt on its western side. It is said that Gaza is so thickly populated that if anyone throws a stone it is sure to hit some one. Imagine what will happen if it is constantly pounded by missiles and bombs from F-16's !! The toll in the current operation has reached more than 1000, mostly women and children.
One can keep condemning Israel for this brutality. It has become a law unto itself with the backing of the West.
But what about the role of the Arab countries in this crisis. Rather than extending any help to the people of Gaza they are just sitting and watching.
Most shameful is the role of Egypt in this crisis. As you can see in the map, the only border with Gaza not controlled by Israel is the Rafah border with Egypt. And Egypt has sealed this border !! Leave aside allowing refugees they are not even allowing humanitarian aid to go through this border to Gaza. We should all hang our heads in shame at the conduct of a fellow Muslim country to the suffering in Gaza.
The reason Egypt gives for closing the Rafah border is that in earlier conflicts when they opened the border, it was flooded with refugees from Gaza who bought so much food, petrol and other supplies that it caused shortages and price rise in that region of Egypt.
Is this not a small price to pay for helping people who have nowhere to go for help?
The real reason is International pressure and the control of the west on the military regime in Egypt. Al Sisi's conduct in this situation has been deplorable. He heads the biggest army in the Arab world but chooses to look the other way.Egypt has not even allowed help coming from Iran to reach Gaza as they fear Iran wants to increase its influence in Palestine. Is this the time to have such a narrow view of things.
In the earlier wars with Israel, Egypt was in the forefront. Gamal Abdel Nasser was a much respected leader across the Arab world. It is sad to see the stand the same country has taken now.
The lesson for the Muslim Ummah is clear. It can have all the resources in the world but it will have very little influence if there is disunity and mistrust.
We hope and pray that the suffering of the people in Gaza ends soon and a lasting solution is found to this issue.
Tuesday 22 July 2014
Famous Win at Lord's
India won by 95 runs yesterday at Lord's. Ishant Sharma bounced the English batsmen out to take 7-74.
In one of my earlier blogs......................
India-England Tests - Who will Win?
..............I had said that Indian Team can spring a surprise. At the same time I had also said that it is hard to see how the Indian bowlers will 20 wickets in a Test. I had also highlighted the fact that this is make or break series for Ishant Sharma, as his record is pathetic. I am delighted to be proved wrong by the Indian bowling performance. Bhuveneshwar Kumar has been a revelation and Ishant's 7-74 at Lord's is enough to ensure his name will go down in Indian Cricket history.
Indian performance was top class in this match but in the end the English batsman suffered a brain freeze and just threw the wickets away mainly Prior, Root and Stokes. Ishant's short pitch bowling was not as threatening as Mitchell Johnson's. But the English batsmen just kept going for hooks & pulls with fielders placed in the deep. It was suicidal stuff.
The Indian batsmen also showed tremendous application, led by Murali Vijay. Rahane's hundred in the first innings was the turning point too. Then Jadeja's assault on Day 4 really swung the match towards India. Many felt that Bhuvaneshwar should have been the MoM for this two invaluable contributions with the bat and also 6-82 in the first innings. All in all it was a great team effort.
England is in complete disarray now. There are calls for Cook to be replaced as captain and also to be dropped for his poor form. Prior has also stepped down now. Bell is in the middle of a bad patch too.
We are in the middle of a glorious summer here in England. Will this turn out to be an 'Indian Summer'?
The performance of this young Indian team has warmed our hearts.
They have a great chance to win this series if they keep applying themselves.
In one of my earlier blogs......................
India-England Tests - Who will Win?
..............I had said that Indian Team can spring a surprise. At the same time I had also said that it is hard to see how the Indian bowlers will 20 wickets in a Test. I had also highlighted the fact that this is make or break series for Ishant Sharma, as his record is pathetic. I am delighted to be proved wrong by the Indian bowling performance. Bhuveneshwar Kumar has been a revelation and Ishant's 7-74 at Lord's is enough to ensure his name will go down in Indian Cricket history.
Indian performance was top class in this match but in the end the English batsman suffered a brain freeze and just threw the wickets away mainly Prior, Root and Stokes. Ishant's short pitch bowling was not as threatening as Mitchell Johnson's. But the English batsmen just kept going for hooks & pulls with fielders placed in the deep. It was suicidal stuff.
The Indian batsmen also showed tremendous application, led by Murali Vijay. Rahane's hundred in the first innings was the turning point too. Then Jadeja's assault on Day 4 really swung the match towards India. Many felt that Bhuvaneshwar should have been the MoM for this two invaluable contributions with the bat and also 6-82 in the first innings. All in all it was a great team effort.
England is in complete disarray now. There are calls for Cook to be replaced as captain and also to be dropped for his poor form. Prior has also stepped down now. Bell is in the middle of a bad patch too.
We are in the middle of a glorious summer here in England. Will this turn out to be an 'Indian Summer'?
The performance of this young Indian team has warmed our hearts.
They have a great chance to win this series if they keep applying themselves.
Friday 18 July 2014
Ajinkya Rahane & Bhuvaneshwar Kumar - Rising Stars
Yesterday, we witnessed a superb century at Lord's by Ajinkya Rahane. It was a high quality innings given that it was on a first day greentop. The ball was swinging and seaming all over the place. Rahane always had the technique and the temperament to succeed at test level which he showed in South Africa and New Zealand earlier this year.
He never got proper chances earlier even when India lost 8 tests in a row overseas. He was in the squad for Australia where India lost all 4 tests and suffered one batting collapse after another but Dhone never gave Rahane a look in. Sehwag and Gambhir kept being persisted despite disastrous performances. Laxman was failing regularly too. That is the problem with Indian Cricket. The icons of the game hardly get dropped even though they go through long bad patches. Sehwag should never have got so many chances.
Even Sachin was way past his peak and played purely on reputaion for the last 2 years of his career.
At that time every one said once the Sachin's, Dravid's, Sehwag's, Laxman's are gone, what will happen. But India was losing every game anyway, why were the youngsters not given a chance. I am sure had Pujara, Rahane got a chance they would have done better that the fading stalwarts and also gained useful experience of batting in Australia and England.
Pujara & Rahane are classical Test Batsmen. It is a joy to watch them in tests.
Another great find for India is Bhuvaneshwar Kumar. He is emerging as a genuine all-rounder. I think this English tour will be a watershed in his career. It is early days, but I will stick my neck out and make a prediction. He might become the next great all-rounder for India after Kapil Dev.
This Test is looking really interested. Alistair Cook has again failed just now and the pressure on him mounts further.
He never got proper chances earlier even when India lost 8 tests in a row overseas. He was in the squad for Australia where India lost all 4 tests and suffered one batting collapse after another but Dhone never gave Rahane a look in. Sehwag and Gambhir kept being persisted despite disastrous performances. Laxman was failing regularly too. That is the problem with Indian Cricket. The icons of the game hardly get dropped even though they go through long bad patches. Sehwag should never have got so many chances.
Even Sachin was way past his peak and played purely on reputaion for the last 2 years of his career.
At that time every one said once the Sachin's, Dravid's, Sehwag's, Laxman's are gone, what will happen. But India was losing every game anyway, why were the youngsters not given a chance. I am sure had Pujara, Rahane got a chance they would have done better that the fading stalwarts and also gained useful experience of batting in Australia and England.
Pujara & Rahane are classical Test Batsmen. It is a joy to watch them in tests.
Another great find for India is Bhuvaneshwar Kumar. He is emerging as a genuine all-rounder. I think this English tour will be a watershed in his career. It is early days, but I will stick my neck out and make a prediction. He might become the next great all-rounder for India after Kapil Dev.
This Test is looking really interested. Alistair Cook has again failed just now and the pressure on him mounts further.
Tuesday 15 July 2014
Birthday
Yesterday was my Birthday. I had taken the day off, but was mostly home as it is Ramazaan. Farah had made a cake which I cut after Iftaar. She has also presented me with a wallet and a lovely T-Shirt.
It is extremely sad to see the way Israel is pounding Gaza and killing innocents. It seems as if Israel is like a runaway bandit. It just attacks the Palestinians whenever it feels like. All the countries which are so-called champions of Democracy and Peace just stand and watch and in fact project Israel as the victim !!
In the US, the Israel Lobby is so strong that no senator dares to challenge or go against it. There is now growing opinion that in doing what Israel wants US may actually be going against what is its national interest.
It is the height is double standards.
It is extremely sad to see the way Israel is pounding Gaza and killing innocents. It seems as if Israel is like a runaway bandit. It just attacks the Palestinians whenever it feels like. All the countries which are so-called champions of Democracy and Peace just stand and watch and in fact project Israel as the victim !!
In the US, the Israel Lobby is so strong that no senator dares to challenge or go against it. There is now growing opinion that in doing what Israel wants US may actually be going against what is its national interest.
It is the height is double standards.
Saturday 12 July 2014
Idyllic Morning
Can it get any better ?
I am writing this from Old Chelmsfordian Cricket Club Pavillion. Ammar comes here for his Cricket coaching every Saturday. While watching Ammar practice, also listening to TMS commentary of the fourth day of India England Test in Nottingham.
The only thing not going as per my desire in the lengthy last wicket stand for England between Root and Anderson. The longer they stay, the chance of an Indian win become more remote.
Well, the day didn't turn out very well for India. Root and Anderson eventually added 198 for the last wicket, a Test record. India finished the day at 167 for 3. The match seems headed for a draw, but Cricket is a funny game.
Well, the day didn't turn out very well for India. Root and Anderson eventually added 198 for the last wicket, a Test record. India finished the day at 167 for 3. The match seems headed for a draw, but Cricket is a funny game.
Wednesday 9 July 2014
Murali Vijay and the 7-1 shocker !!
Today was the first day of the first Test at Trent Bridge between India and England. India started very well and were 106/1 at Lunch but then were reduced to 107/3 after lunch.
Now they are 256/4 with 3 overs to spare in the day. Murali Vijay is unbeaten on 122. This is his first hundred outside India. He has shown excellent technique and temperament today. This would be a great confidence booster for him. Dhoni is with him on 49.
India has to get 400 to put pressure on England. They will need a lot of application to get there. Most of the player in this team have no Test experience in England.
Dhoni has sprung a surprise by selecting Stuart Binny ahead of Ashwin. It is a strange selection given that the pitch is devoid of grass. But with his debut, Cricket history has another Father & Son pair who have played for their country.
When Pujara got a good start today, I thought he will score a big one today. He fell into the trap set by Cook & Anderson and gave a catch to short mid-on.
All in all, a fighting & disciplined performance by India. England should also be happy that they prevented India from running away with it.
In the Football World Cup, we witnessed a shocker yesterday night. Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany. It was without doubt Brazil's worst performance ever in a major tournament. They looked like a completely clueless and disjointed unit. It was sheer carnage. At one time Germany score 4 goals in 6 minutes !!
Some players just didn't want to fight it out. The main culprits being David Luiz and Fred. Germany gave a clinical and brilliant performance. They are now the clear favourites.
It will take a lot of time for Brazil to recover from this shock.
Now they are 256/4 with 3 overs to spare in the day. Murali Vijay is unbeaten on 122. This is his first hundred outside India. He has shown excellent technique and temperament today. This would be a great confidence booster for him. Dhoni is with him on 49.
India has to get 400 to put pressure on England. They will need a lot of application to get there. Most of the player in this team have no Test experience in England.
Dhoni has sprung a surprise by selecting Stuart Binny ahead of Ashwin. It is a strange selection given that the pitch is devoid of grass. But with his debut, Cricket history has another Father & Son pair who have played for their country.
When Pujara got a good start today, I thought he will score a big one today. He fell into the trap set by Cook & Anderson and gave a catch to short mid-on.
All in all, a fighting & disciplined performance by India. England should also be happy that they prevented India from running away with it.
In the Football World Cup, we witnessed a shocker yesterday night. Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany. It was without doubt Brazil's worst performance ever in a major tournament. They looked like a completely clueless and disjointed unit. It was sheer carnage. At one time Germany score 4 goals in 6 minutes !!
Some players just didn't want to fight it out. The main culprits being David Luiz and Fred. Germany gave a clinical and brilliant performance. They are now the clear favourites.
It will take a lot of time for Brazil to recover from this shock.
Monday 7 July 2014
Thoughts
Yesterday me and Ammar watched the Wimbledon Finals....what a match....
Federer put up a great fight but lost in 5 sets to Novak Doykovic.
World Cup semi final lineup is decided- Brazil vs Germany and Argentina vs Holland.....should be interesting....
Today Tour de France passed through Chelmsford .....thought of going to see it but could muster the enthusiasm .....it is tough in Ramazaan to go and stand there for hours.....
Saturday 5 July 2014
Khalid Ibn Al Waleed
Khalid Ibn Al Waleed was a true hero of Islam. Between 632AD and 638AD he won nearly 100 battles big and small. He is considered one of the greatest generals in History. He has a great contribution in many Islamic conquests and the spread of Islam in far off lands outside Arabia.
He started off as an enemy and fought against the Muslim Army in the Battle of Uhad and the Battle of Khandaq. Then his brother converted to Islam and slowly Khalid also saw the truth in the teachings of Islam and was one of the last 3 to accept Islam before the conquest of Mecca.
Khalid Ibn Walid Mosque, Homs, Syria
His battle strategies are legendary and have been copied by other armies for many centuries.
Khalid Ibn Walid Mosque, Homs, Syria
He never lost a battle in his lifetime of 50 years.
He was designated the commander of the Army by the Caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar.
He is called Al Sayyaf - the sword of Islam.
Friday 4 July 2014
India-England Tests - Who will win?
Indian Cricket Team is in England to play a 5 Test Series. The last time they were here in 2011 they lost all four tests resulting in a utterly humiliating loss.
Will they fare better this time?
England is not the same team it was in 2011. They had a disastrous Ashes tour where they lost 0-5. This resulted in many heads rolling. But now when they played Sri Lanka at home they again lost 0-1 in a 2 test series. So they are going through a crisis and a transition. Their captain Alistair Cook is under attack.
India's performance in Test Cricket away from home has been disastrous as well. They have lost 10 out of the last 12 overseas Test Matches.
It is going to be a contest of two sides and two captains trying to redeem themselves. Dhoni at least has the consolation of having good performances in ODI's and T20's. Cook's captaincy as well as personal form have deserted him.
It seems it is good time for India to strike a blow against England, but can they do that. To win a Test Match India has to take 20 Wickets. Do they have the bowling attack to do that? Going by what we have seen till now in the 2 practice matches, the Indian bowling seems quite innocuous.
In the absence of Zaheer, Ishant is the bowling sprearhead. After playing nearly 60 Tests it is high time he took this responsibility. In my mind this maybe the make or break series for Ishant. He has got a very very long rope. He has to deliver in this series, else he should be shown the door. Dhoni has a particular liking for him but I cannot find another example in history of a man playing purely as a bowler who averages nearly 40 after 60 tests matches. Come to think of it, many bowling legends played less or same tests in their whole career. Michael Holding played 60 Tests, Joel Garner 58 and Andy Roberts 47...................and people keep saying Ishant is still a newcomer !!!
This is a great opportunity for Mohammad Shami & Bhuvaneswar Kumar. English conditions should suit their bowling. Stuart Binny maybe the surprise package in bowling.
The spin department is looking rather bare with Ashwin making no impact so far.
This is a also a series when Ravi Jadeja can make a mark as an all-rounder. Will he take it? Only time will tell.
It is also a golden opportunity for Kohli and Pujara to stake their claim as the top Test Batsmen. They have the talent and the technique.
Even more than Kohli, I expect Pujara to come good. Dravid as the batting mentor should of great help to these youngsters. Ajinkya Rahane maybe the surprise package in batting too.
Hence the Indian team holds great promise but very little experience of English conditions. It all boils down to how they will adapt to the conditions. If they are able to do that quickly,they might spring a surprise.
The key for India is that the bowling has to come good. If that doesn't happen their fate is sealed.
Will they fare better this time?
England is not the same team it was in 2011. They had a disastrous Ashes tour where they lost 0-5. This resulted in many heads rolling. But now when they played Sri Lanka at home they again lost 0-1 in a 2 test series. So they are going through a crisis and a transition. Their captain Alistair Cook is under attack.
India's performance in Test Cricket away from home has been disastrous as well. They have lost 10 out of the last 12 overseas Test Matches.
It is going to be a contest of two sides and two captains trying to redeem themselves. Dhoni at least has the consolation of having good performances in ODI's and T20's. Cook's captaincy as well as personal form have deserted him.
It seems it is good time for India to strike a blow against England, but can they do that. To win a Test Match India has to take 20 Wickets. Do they have the bowling attack to do that? Going by what we have seen till now in the 2 practice matches, the Indian bowling seems quite innocuous.
In the absence of Zaheer, Ishant is the bowling sprearhead. After playing nearly 60 Tests it is high time he took this responsibility. In my mind this maybe the make or break series for Ishant. He has got a very very long rope. He has to deliver in this series, else he should be shown the door. Dhoni has a particular liking for him but I cannot find another example in history of a man playing purely as a bowler who averages nearly 40 after 60 tests matches. Come to think of it, many bowling legends played less or same tests in their whole career. Michael Holding played 60 Tests, Joel Garner 58 and Andy Roberts 47...................and people keep saying Ishant is still a newcomer !!!
This is a great opportunity for Mohammad Shami & Bhuvaneswar Kumar. English conditions should suit their bowling. Stuart Binny maybe the surprise package in bowling.
The spin department is looking rather bare with Ashwin making no impact so far.
This is a also a series when Ravi Jadeja can make a mark as an all-rounder. Will he take it? Only time will tell.
It is also a golden opportunity for Kohli and Pujara to stake their claim as the top Test Batsmen. They have the talent and the technique.
Even more than Kohli, I expect Pujara to come good. Dravid as the batting mentor should of great help to these youngsters. Ajinkya Rahane maybe the surprise package in batting too.
Hence the Indian team holds great promise but very little experience of English conditions. It all boils down to how they will adapt to the conditions. If they are able to do that quickly,they might spring a surprise.
The key for India is that the bowling has to come good. If that doesn't happen their fate is sealed.
I would say the key players for India are Pujara, Kohli, Ishant & Shami......and of course Dhoni.....
All in all, I would give England the clear edge as they have more experience and they are playing at home.
Whatever the outcome, I am hoping for a keen contest unlike the one-sided farce of 2011. I had to face the jibes of my British colleagues in office as India stumbled from one disaster to another !!
All in all, I would give England the clear edge as they have more experience and they are playing at home.
Whatever the outcome, I am hoping for a keen contest unlike the one-sided farce of 2011. I had to face the jibes of my British colleagues in office as India stumbled from one disaster to another !!
Monday 30 June 2014
Ramazaan
The holy month of Ramazaan started yesterday here in UK. As Ramazaan is in summer now, the days here are very long. The duration of the fast in UK is nearly 19 hours.
The good thing about Ramazaan in UK is that even though it is summer and the duration of the fast is quite long, one doesn't feel very thirsty compared to India. To fast in summer months in India is really a test.
Insha Allah, I pray to Allah that I am able to keep all the roza this year.
Hopefully, I maybe able to work from home most of the days and hence that will make things easier.
As the duration of the Roza this year in UK has become very long, there is some talk if there can be some Fatwa to follow Saudi to reduce the duration. This is being followed in Scandinavian countries which are closer to the North Pole.One of my cousins Faiz Bhaiya lives in Norway and they follow this Fatwa there. The days in the summer there can become as long as 21 or 22 hours !!
The good thing about Ramazaan in UK is that even though it is summer and the duration of the fast is quite long, one doesn't feel very thirsty compared to India. To fast in summer months in India is really a test.
Insha Allah, I pray to Allah that I am able to keep all the roza this year.
Hopefully, I maybe able to work from home most of the days and hence that will make things easier.
As the duration of the Roza this year in UK has become very long, there is some talk if there can be some Fatwa to follow Saudi to reduce the duration. This is being followed in Scandinavian countries which are closer to the North Pole.One of my cousins Faiz Bhaiya lives in Norway and they follow this Fatwa there. The days in the summer there can become as long as 21 or 22 hours !!
Thursday 26 June 2014
Moeen Ali - Breaking Stereotypes
Moeen Ali, in his second test for England scored a 'back to the wall' unbeaten 108 against Sri Lanka and almost saved England from inevitable defeat. England came agonizingly close to a draw and lost with only 1 ball to spare. This was no doubt a wonderful Test Series with nail-biting finishes and showcased all that is great about Test Cricket.
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What stood out in the second test was Moeen's defiant hundred and the story inside the story. Moeen is a British Muslim and very visibly so. His long flowing beard has become his trademark. He is not the first and certainly will not be the last British Muslim to play for England. But he is different from the others in the way he has decided to so visibly demonstrate his British Muslim identity. One can see examples of this in other countries like Hashim Amla and many in Pakistan like Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam, Saeed Anwar, Mushtaq Ahmad etc.
In these times when prejudices against Muslims is on the rise, a very long flowing beard does make some people uncomfortable. This is unfortunate but it is the reality. Even in Moeen's case, a spectator made a ridiculous comment that he should be blowing up buildings rather than playing cricket for England.
Moeen being born and brought up in England, knows fully well that his appearance might cause some discomfort among certain people. But he is a mature young man, who believes that his British identity can co-exist well with his Muslim identity.
He is now changing perceptions by his performances on the field. Some people who made these regrettable comments about him had to eat humble pie when he stood tall on the final day of the second test amid the ruins and fought the hardest to save England from defeat. With his fighting knock he made a statement. He deservedly got a standing ovation from the crowd.
Moeen's story reminds me of C. L. R. James cricket classic 'Beyond a Boundary'. The theme of this book is that sport is a vehicle for social change. Perceptions and prejudices can be changed through sport. It describes how Sir Frank Worrell became the first black to captain the West Indies. He was respected by everyone, black or white, due to his sublime character and great cricketing ability and leadership.
The social significance of Moeen's knock apart, he has emerged as an exciting prospect for England. He is a exciting left-handed strokemaker, who can be solid too. He is a right hand offbreak bowler too. He has learnt the 'doosra' from Saeed Ajmal. He is a mature and intelligent man who has captained at junior levels.
After the departure of Kevin Peitersen, Moeen just might provide the excitement which English cricket desperately needs.
I will be closely following the progress of Moeen.
What stood out in the second test was Moeen's defiant hundred and the story inside the story. Moeen is a British Muslim and very visibly so. His long flowing beard has become his trademark. He is not the first and certainly will not be the last British Muslim to play for England. But he is different from the others in the way he has decided to so visibly demonstrate his British Muslim identity. One can see examples of this in other countries like Hashim Amla and many in Pakistan like Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam, Saeed Anwar, Mushtaq Ahmad etc.
In these times when prejudices against Muslims is on the rise, a very long flowing beard does make some people uncomfortable. This is unfortunate but it is the reality. Even in Moeen's case, a spectator made a ridiculous comment that he should be blowing up buildings rather than playing cricket for England.
Moeen being born and brought up in England, knows fully well that his appearance might cause some discomfort among certain people. But he is a mature young man, who believes that his British identity can co-exist well with his Muslim identity.
He is now changing perceptions by his performances on the field. Some people who made these regrettable comments about him had to eat humble pie when he stood tall on the final day of the second test amid the ruins and fought the hardest to save England from defeat. With his fighting knock he made a statement. He deservedly got a standing ovation from the crowd.
Moeen's story reminds me of C. L. R. James cricket classic 'Beyond a Boundary'. The theme of this book is that sport is a vehicle for social change. Perceptions and prejudices can be changed through sport. It describes how Sir Frank Worrell became the first black to captain the West Indies. He was respected by everyone, black or white, due to his sublime character and great cricketing ability and leadership.
The social significance of Moeen's knock apart, he has emerged as an exciting prospect for England. He is a exciting left-handed strokemaker, who can be solid too. He is a right hand offbreak bowler too. He has learnt the 'doosra' from Saeed Ajmal. He is a mature and intelligent man who has captained at junior levels.
After the departure of Kevin Peitersen, Moeen just might provide the excitement which English cricket desperately needs.
I will be closely following the progress of Moeen.
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