Amid a reverential hush that enveloped the purpose-built cricket ground at the Zhejiang University of Technology (ZJUT), Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal embarked on her bowling spell against Bangladesh’s Shathi Rani in the Asian Games women’s bronze medal match.
The rhythmic sound of leather meeting willow resonated through the air, a stark contrast to the sunflower-filled fields that adorned this venue until recently. While the setting exuded a quintessential village green ambiance rather than the frenetic energy of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, the few hundred spectators present were undeniably captivated, even if many confessed to being newcomers to the sport.
A predominantly Chinese audience, they reacted with audible “oohs” and “aahs,” applauding every wicket and cheering heartily at each boundary. However, a sense of bewilderment occasionally crept in when fervent lbw appeals disrupted the serenity of the ZJUT Cricket Field.
“I had never witnessed cricket before, so my curiosity led me here,” admitted Huang Dapeng, a local business owner in Hangzhou. “While I’m still learning the nuances, I find myself genuinely enjoying the experience.”
Some in attendance possessed a modicum of cricket knowledge, fueling their fascination. Liang Xiaoqian, a travel agent, shared her story: “I had the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka, where a friend introduced me to cricket. The moment I learned it was part of the Asian Games, I felt compelled to delve deeper into this sport.” She eagerly anticipated the final match between India and Sri Lanka.
Conversely, others attended purely in the spirit of the Asian Games, driven by an eagerness to witness any form of sporting spectacle. Jeff Wang, an engineer, explained, “These were the only Asian Games tickets we could secure. It’s my first time watching cricket, a sport I was oblivious to until now. But I did hear it’s incredibly popular in South Asia.”
Surveying the near-circular ground, it’s remarkable to imagine that this meticulously maintained grass was once a field of sunflowers. Post-Asian Games, however, it won’t revert to wild growth. The ZJUT campus’s newest sports facility is here to stay.
Venue manager Li Danlin affirmed, “This facility will endure indefinitely. Cricket will continue to thrive here.”
With over 20 colleges and 80,000 students, the university is committed to teaching the intricacies of cricket and fostering participation. “We aspire to see the formation of cricket clubs and the active use of this venue,” Li emphasized.
Mohtashim Rasheed, head coach of Pakistan’s cricket team, emphasized the importance of expanding the sport’s reach into new territories. “The enthusiastic turnout here, composed entirely of Chinese spectators, signifies a promising development for cricket in China,” said Mohtashim. “It’s a complex game, so our mission is to cultivate it in China and other nations. The key lies in introducing it to schools. Initiating programs for boys and girls, perhaps in a shorter format like six-a-side, is crucial. If we can engage under-10s, the transformation will be evident in five years. For older children, we could integrate aspects of baseball, a sport they already enjoy. Swinging a bat and hitting a ball—a seamless translation that could take place.”
Cricket’s journey in China is undeniably in its nascent stages, yet the Asian Games have illuminated a path forward—a path that promises to endure long after the final wicket falls.
By AFP
