KARACHI: Former Test cricketers, journalists, and writers paid rich tribute to legendary batsman Javed Miandad at the launch of a book on his life and career, describing his contribution to Pakistan cricket as unparalleled and his legacy as unforgettable.
The speakers praised Miandad’s immense services to Pakistan cricket and said he was a great cricketer whose illustrious career, leadership qualities, fighting spirit, and winning mentality left an unmatched impact on the history of the game in the country.
They expressed these views at the launch ceremony of the book “Javed Miandad: Field Marshal of Pakistan Cricket”, written by Muhammad Sajjad Ahmed Khan. The event, held at the Arts Council Karachi, was presided over by Arts Council President Ahmed Shah and attended by a large number of former Test cricketers, writers, journalists, and cricket fans.
Addressing the ceremony, former Test cricketer Sadiq Mohammad said it is difficult to find a cricketer of Javed Miandad’s caliber. He said cricket was Miandad’s passion and that he maintained a psychological advantage over opposing teams through his performances on the field.
Former Test cricketer Haroon Rashid said that Javed Miandad was a great player who gave a new dimension to Pakistani cricket through his technique, leadership skills, and winning spirit, leading the national team to numerous successes.
Former Test cricketer Tauseef Ahmed said that Miandad possessed many qualities that earned him recognition from renowned cricketers around the world. He added that while Miandad believed in strict discipline on the field, he also kept the morale of his teammates high with his sense of humor.
Arts Council President Ahmed Shah said that cricket is the only sport in Pakistan that brings together people from all walks of life on a single platform. In his presidential address, Ahmed Shah said that cricket is the second most popular sport in the world and the favorite game of people across Pakistan, including laborers, children, youth, and the elderly. He said that whenever Pakistan plays a match, the entire nation appears united and the joy of the people becomes evident. He described Javed Miandad as one of the finest cricketers Pakistan has ever produced.
Senior journalist Shah Waliullah Junaidi said that Javed Miandad was among those rare talents who gave Pakistani cricket a new identity through his extraordinary ability, unmatched courage, intelligence, and leadership qualities.
He said that Muhammad Sajjad Ahmed Khan’s book, “Javed Miandad: Field Marshal of Pakistan Cricket,” is a valuable academic and research contribution that pays tribute to the services of the legendary cricketer.
Veteran cricket correspondent, writer, journalist, former first-class cricketer, and commentator Qamar Ahmed also addressed the gathering over the telephone due to ill health. Iqbal-ur-Rehman Mandvi, Iqbal Latif, and the author of the book, Muhammad Sajjad Ahmed Khan, also spoke at the ceremony.
The speakers described the book as a comprehensive account of Javed Miandad’s personality, sporting achievements, and services to the nation. They said the publication would serve as an important reference for cricket fans, researchers, and future generations interested in the history of Pakistan cricket.
