Sachin Tendulkar’s Surprising Field Day for Pakistan: A Cricket Oddity
Sachin Tendulkar’s Unforgettable Field Day for Pakistan: A Tale of Cricket’s Unpredictability
In the annals of cricket history, Sachin Tendulkar’s name is etched in gold as one of India’s most revered cricketers. However, few know of a lesser-known chapter in his illustrious career, where he briefly donned the Pakistan jersey and fielded for the arch-rivals.
During Pakistan’s 1987 tour of India, a festival match was organized at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. As Javed Miandad and Abdul Qadir left the field during the lunch break, a 15-year-old Sachin Tendulkar, not yet the cricketing legend he would become, was called upon to serve as a substitute fielder for Imran Khan’s team.
Eager and energetic, Tendulkar took up a position in the outfield, donning a Pakistan jersey for a brief time. Imran positioned him at long-on, and it wasn’t long before Kapil Dev hit a high ball in his direction. Despite his best efforts and a 15-metre sprint forward, Tendulkar was unable to reach the ball.
In his recently published autobiography, ‘Playing it My Way’, Tendulkar recalled that incident, expressing his belief that had he been positioned at mid-on instead of long-on, he would have been able to catch the ball.
While this event may seem anecdotal, it remains a testament to the spirit of cricket and its unpredictable nature. It showcases Tendulkar’s passion and dedication to the game from a very young age, even if it meant playing for his cricketing rivals.
This brief stint as a Pakistan fielder remains a fascinating footnote in Tendulkar’s illustrious career, highlighting the camaraderie and sportsmanship that can transcend national boundaries in the world of cricket.
