The cricket chronicles: Inside Dr. Nauman Niaz's treasure trove

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published August 02, 2024 at 05:18 pm |  Junaid Ali Khan

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ISLAMABAD—Step into the captivating world of Dr. Nauman Niaz, a revered cricket writer, collector, and historian, whose life story is a mesmerizing blend of passion, dedication, and serendipitous discoveries. From preserving childhood toys to amassing one of the most extensive cricket memorabilia collections globally, Dr. Niaz's journey is a testament to his unwavering love for cricket.

In this exclusive interview with JournalismPakistan.com, Dr. Niaz delves into his earliest cricketing memories, recounts tales of rare acquisitions, and shares insights on balancing his multifaceted career with his collecting pursuits.

Journalism Pakistan: Dr. Niaz can you tell us about the beginning of your journey as a cricket enthusiast? What sparked your passion for collecting cricket memorabilia?     

Dr. Nauman Niaz: From an early age, I exhibited an unusual penchant for preserving anything that belonged to me. Unlike other children, I meticulously cleaned my toy cars and stored them in special pouches. I also kept all my quarterly school report cards and even my sharpened pencils. Whether this behavior was driven by a sense of ownership, a form of hoarding, or a means of preserving memories, I cannot say.

At the age of seven, I witnessed my first live cricket match: the inaugural Test between Pakistan and New Zealand at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. Around this time, my maternal uncle, Khawaja Rauf Zakria Kitchlew, who was a Ranji Trophy player and a first-class cricketer, gifted me two books: the first edition of the "Jubilee Book of Cricket" by Shri Kumar Ranjitsinhji, published in 1897, and a pristine copy of "Imperial Cricket" by Sir Pelham Warner, printed in 1912. The weight of the "Imperial Cricket" book was quite memorable, and I placed them both near my pillow, barely able to sleep that night.

My mother, a regular spectator at matches played at Lahore's Bagh-i-Jinnah, presented her autograph book to me in 1981. This cherished book contained autographs from the 1951 MCC team that toured Pakistan, the first-ever team to tour India in 1952-53, the Indian team that visited Pakistan in 1954-55, and subsequent teams from New Zealand, the MCC 'A' team led by Donald Carr, Australia, and the West Indies from the mid to late 1950s. Inspired by her collection, I began picking up autographs of first-class cricketers and having photographs signed on match brochures and magazines. I was 12 years old when this passion took hold, and by 13, I had also begun acquiring books on cricket. There was no looking back.

Journalism Pakistan: Could you share some of your earliest memories related to cricket that influenced your love of the sport?

Dr. Nauman Niaz: Accompanied by my maternal uncle, Rashid Kitchlew, and a group of my cousins—Nadeem, Wasim, Asad, and Naveed—we ventured to Gaddafi Stadium.

The palpable excitement in the stadium was evident as spectators queued at the standpipes near the entry gates, many clutching small radios. Once seated, Rashid acquired scorecards and lead pencils for us. From our vantage point, I could observe players from both teams warming up near the boundary line. Mark Burgess and Glenn Turner were engaged in a throw-down session. It was beyond my imagination that I would one day dine with Glenn Turner in a plush restaurant in Dunedin, fulfilling a dream born of passion.

Likewise, I could scarcely have believed that the fast bowler I saw at Gaddafi Stadium, sharing the new ball with Richard Collinge, would go on to become New Zealand's premier all-rounder, Sir Richard Hadlee.

The atmosphere was electrifying. Debutant Javed Miandad soon captivated the audience with his fluent and enterprising batting.

Javed's innings was a masterclass, reaching 50 in 95 minutes and 100 in 149 minutes, inclusive of 11 boundaries. By tea, he had advanced to 111, with his partnership with Asif Iqbal growing to 151. The two batsmen continued their dominance, with Javed scoring 163 before being caught behind square off Peter Petherick. Memorable moments included Wasim Raja's dismissal and Intikhab Alam's hat-trick by Petherick. Javed's partnership with Asif Iqbal was spectacular, enthralling the crowd. Petherick's hat-trick added dramatic flair, making the day unforgettable. This experience ignited my passion for cricket, transforming me into a devoted collector and fervent follower of the sport. The memories of that day remain etched in my mind, continuously inspiring my love for cricket.

Journalism Pakistan: You are known to have one of the biggest collections of cricket memorabilia in the world. Can you describe some of the most prized items in your collection and the stories behind them?

Dr. Nauman Niaz: True that my tastes as a collector are an eclectic mix; however, I am deeply immersed in pre-war and Edwardian memorabilia, primarily signed postcards, autograph sheets, and rare handkerchiefs. Over the years, my choices have evolved to include first-edition rare books, preferably inscribed or signed, and prints by artists such as JC Anderson, George Beldam, and Chevalier Tyler, as well as match-used bats and other equipment, even the stumps. It would be cruel to ask me to choose one prized item from my collection, as my heart and soul have gone into acquiring each piece. However, here are some of the books I genuinely cherish:

1.    Felix on the Bat, inscribed and hand-signed by the author (1845)
2.    Presentation Copy of Cricket (1891), one of ten printed
3.    Hand-signed Lillywhite’s Scores & Biographies Volumes I & II (1862) by Fred Lillywhite
4.    Victor Trumper’s match-played bat from the 1899 Lord’s Test
5.    Sir Donald Bradman’s match-played bat
6.    Large original hand-signed photograph of Australia to England (1909)
7.    Hand-signed team photograph of MCC to England (1907-1908)
8.    W.G. Grace’s match-used bat (1905)
9.    Shri Kumar Ranjitsinhji’s match-used bat (1896)
10.    The original ball used in the 1902 Test between Australia and England where Gilbert Jessop scored a match-winning century
Among the rarest books in my collection are:
11.    The Noble Cricketers (1779)
12.    Lambert’s first (1811) and second issues (1816)
13.    Bentley’s first edition (1823), second edition (1823), and last published in 1824-25
14.    Pycroft’s Principles of Scientific Batting, First Edition (1835)
15.    Cricketer’s Guide by a Member of the MCC (1836)
16.    Lillywhite’s Illustrated Handbook of Cricket (all 3 Editions, 1844)
17.    Complete set of Bodyline Tour 1932-33 (5 books)
18.    The Cabinet-Tour of Australia (1861-62)
19.    Lord Hawke’s Team in India (1892-93)
There are 15 more titles in my collection, including:
20.     Kings of Cricket by Richard Daft (1893) – I have number six of the subscriber’s edition.
21.     The Cricket Field by James Pycroft (1922) – The final edition, edited by Ashley-Cooper, is my copy, number 60 of the 100 published.
22.     Beyond a Boundary by CLR James (1963) – A first edition inscribed from James to G Neville Weston, a noted collector and expert on WG Grace.
23.     Scores of Matches 1786-1822 by Henry Bentley (1823) – One of the first books published on the game, featuring a collection of scorecards.
24.     A Few Short Runs by Lord Harris (1921) – Autobiography of the renowned cricketer and administrator.
25.     An Australian Cricketer on Tour by Frank Laver (1905) – A detailed account of the 1899 and 1905 Australian tours to England.
26.     With Stoddart’s Team in Australia by KS Ranjitsinhji (1898) – Ranji’s account of the 1897/98 Ashes series.
27.     Stray Thoughts on Indian Cricket by J Framjee Patel (1905) – The first comprehensive history of cricket in India.
28.     With the MCC in Australia by Philip Trevor (1908) – The only account of the 1907/08 Ashes series.
29.     Memento of Arthur Shrewsbury and Alfred Shaw Cricketers by WF Grundy (1907) – A tribute to two great English cricketers.
30.     ‘WG’ by WG Grace (1899) – Autobiography of the great cricketer, ghostwritten by Arthur Porritt.
31.     10 for 66 and All That by Arthur Mailey (1958) – A well-received memoir by the Australian leg-spinner.
32.     Lambert’s Cricketer’s Guide by William Lambert (1816) – A rare instructional book, with my copy being a second edition.
33.     Curiosities of First Class Cricket by FS Ashley-Cooper (1901) – A collection of bizarre and unusual cricket stories, with a limited edition copy.
34.     Alfred Lyttelton: His Home Training and Earlier Life by Edward Lyttelton (1916) – A rare biography of the double international sportsman and politician, with a letter from the author.

Journalism Pakistan: How do you go about sourcing and acquiring these rare items? Are there any particularly memorable or challenging acquisitions?

Dr. Nauman Niaz: Understanding the fine distinction between a hoarder and a collector is crucial. While both accumulate items, their behavior and intrinsic motivations differ significantly.

Generally, hoarders possess an emotional attachment to their items and accumulate them either to possess or out of fear of losing what they have acquired. They seldom relish the actual usefulness or value of these items. This behavior may stem from compulsive tendencies, often serving as a distraction from personal anxieties. Conversely, collectors pursue items out of passion, genuine interest, or as a well-defined hobby. Collectors derive satisfaction from completing sets or obtaining items for which they have waited for extended periods. The purpose of collecting often revolves around exploring antiquarian times, understanding the cultures of those eras, and preserving history.

Serious collectors follow meticulous methods to build and preserve their collections, ensuring they acquire authentic, valuable, and well-documented items. Understanding the historical significance of items helps collectors identify valuable memorabilia. Knowledge about players, matches, and cricket history is essential.

Staying informed about market trends and the value of different items helps collectors make informed purchasing decisions. Joining collector clubs, and communicating with vendors, auctioneers, forums, and online groups provides opportunities to connect with other collectors, share knowledge, and find rare items. Attending exhibitions, sports memorabilia shows, and auctions allows collectors to see items firsthand and meet dealers and other enthusiasts. Participating in auctions is a popular way to acquire rare and valuable items. Reputable auction houses like Sotheby's, Bonhams, and Christie's often handle sports memorabilia auctions.

Ensuring items come with certificates of authenticity from reputable sources is crucial. Consulting with experts and using third-party authentication services helps verify the legitimacy of items. Provenance, maintaining detailed records of an item's history, including previous ownership and how it was acquired, adds to its value and authenticity.

A diverse collection may include autographs, match-worn jerseys, equipment, photographs, tickets, and programs. Regularly assessing the value of the collection for insurance and investment purposes is also important. Ensuring that all items are insured is of paramount importance.

Journalism Pakistan: Can you share an anecdote or two about how you obtained some of the most unique pieces in your collection?

Dr. Nauman Niaz: There have been many prized purchases and some accidental acquisitions. I remember growing up, I fancied having Sir Donald Bradman’s match-played bat; nonetheless, it was a distant dream considering the value and financial implications. Growing deeper into cricket collection, I attended a Knight’s Auction in England and met an old collector. He had a Victor Trumper bat, one which Shri Kumar Ranjitsinhji batted with on his debut versus Australia in 1896, and a Sir Donald Bradman match-played bat. I exchanged numbers with him, but he seemed unwilling to sell. I tried, but it seemed a lost cause. Six years later, I found one in Australia with a certificate of authenticity and took a loan to acquire it. It remains one of my most prized possessions. Accidentally, in another auction, I found both Victor Trumper’s match-played bat from the 1899 Ashes and Ranjitsinhji’s bat. The old collector didn’t sell it to me, but his family did auction it. I was at the right place at the right time.

Similarly, being interested in old books, even non-cricket ones, I was searching for stock at Lahore’s Purani (old) Anarkali. Amongst a heap of books, I found a rare volume, and the shopkeeper was oblivious to its value. It was hand-signed, and I immediately picked it up for Rupees 500. The shopkeeper thought it was like other antiquarian books and had placed it in a pile. I had to recheck thrice whether it was the first edition, or I was mistaken. I wasn’t. It was "Imperial Cricket" 1909 first edition (regular copy) and is easily worth £350 to £400 (Rupees 140,000). It wasn’t about the price; it was about adding another gem to my collection.

While randomly going through John Mackenzie’s well-stacked antiquarian books, I intended to buy the entire James Lillywhite set. I found the first two volumes, original and first editions, inscribed and signed by Fred Lillywhite in 1862. I had to forgo quite a few books to afford them, but I did. Two more amazing acquisitions followed: a ball used in the England versus Australia Test at The Oval in 1902, in which Gilbert Jessop scored a match-winning, mind-boggling century (104), and another ball used in the first Test match at Melbourne in 1876-77. The autograph sheet from Australia’s tour to England in 1893, officially the first-ever sheet, is again one of the rarest items I have.

Journalism Pakistan: Your career spans many roles including cricket writer, a media official at the Pakistan Cricket Board, a Director of Sports at Pakistan Television, and a health practitioner. How did you balance these roles with your passion for cricket memorabilia?

Dr. Nauman Niaz: When passion becomes a profession it is the best resolve one could get in life. Not sounding self-conceited, still to elaborate I must acknowledge balancing multiple roles as a cricket writer, manager of media (head of media), director of sports at Pakistan Television, and a consultant endocrinologist, for me has been a combination of photogenic memory, quick responses, late hours, self-imposed insomnia, high-tier time management, pragmatism to add to a deep passion for each responsibility. One needs to integrate these roles with my unending, passion to collect cricket memorabilia. Over 42 years, collecting cricket items has become instinctive, an undisputed preference over any mode of relaxation. For me, it has been the greatest leisure, a repose, and respite which I have extracted from what I have collected over the years.

I strongly believe, in prioritizing tasks, establishing clear priorities, and ensuring each role receives adequate attention without compromising the quality of work or leaving it incomplete. Meeting the deadlines without deviation, focussed, and distributing time as required for each role. Multi-tasking is common still to achieve perfection in each role could be an arduous task. It quite frequently requires the urge to excel by delivering the best, always. Interconnecting interests, obviously more frequently, multiple roles often intersected, allowing me to leverage my expertise and passion across different fields.

Growing up, and having fallen to cricket, as PCB’s media head, I was privileged to launch the Department of Media, chalked out their first media policy, and was with the Pakistan team as their associate manager to the United Arab Emirates, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in 2000. Accepting challenges, as I was, and introduced to an engineer, we prepared cricket analysis software. Progressive and experimental, I was sent to New Zealand as the Pakistan team’s first-ever cricket analyst. All didn’t meet with success as there was an evident resistance to change.

It was all about efficient time management. Balancing these roles required meticulous scheduling. I allocated specific time blocks for each responsibility, ensuring that my professional duties were met without neglecting my passion for cricket memorabilia. Through a combination of strategic planning, interconnecting interests, efficient time management, professional networking, technological integration, passion-driven motivation, and a strong support system, I successfully balanced my diverse career roles concurrently fulfilling all my desires and the passion for cricket memorabilia.

Journalism Pakistan: What were some of the highlights of your tenure as a media manager for the Pakistan cricket team? Any memorable tours or incidents you’d like to share?

Dr. Nauman Niaz: I toured the UAE, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka as an associate manager in 2000, and then as the team's first-ever cricket analyst in New Zealand in 2001. These experiences were invaluable, offering a unique learning curve and the opportunity to interact with some of the world's finest players. The exposure to superstars from other teams added significant value, highlighting not only their skills, methods, and approaches but also their resilience in adversity. Their ability to excel under pressure was truly inspiring.

In the West Indies, the release of the Justice Qayyum Report had significant repercussions, with some players on the team penalized. As expected, a few players initially refused to take the field. On the night before the third Test at Antigua, Pakistan was struggling to field eleven players. Contemplations about forfeiting the match loomed large, especially with key players like Shoaib Akhtar away for rehabilitation and Mohammad Shabbir consulting Michael Holding in the West Indies due to challenges regarding his bowling action.

Despite these challenges, deep into the night and early morning, with numerous phone calls between Antigua and Lahore, the management, including PCB Chairman Lt. Gen Tauqir Zia, Coach Javed Miandad, and Manager Brigadier Khawaja Mohammad Nasir, managed to convince all the players to represent Pakistan. I served as the messenger between the management and the players. Eventually, Pakistan entered the Test at full strength. Before the match began, a visibly upset Wasim Akram predicted he would take 11 wickets in the Test. Many might have doubted his prediction, but I did not. I knew he was the master of his cricketing skills. Wasim, as promised picked 6-61 in the first innings and 5-49 in the second. He ended the Test with 11-110 in an inspired exhibition of left-arm bowling.

Not being able to take his 400th wicket, inside the dressing room I told Wasim that I had top photographer Mueen Uddin Hameed lined up and we desperately wanted to have a sequence of photographs of that epic moment. He told me that his only chance that day was to try a diagonally swinging ball, shaping out to Russell Arnold, and Muhammad Wasim standing a little wide in the slips could take the catch. It was a couple of overs later, Akram ran in, bowled as he had foretold, and Arnold edged it to Muhammad Wasim in the slips. It was number 400 for Akram in Tests. That was him.

Journalism Pakistan: As a former director of sports at PTV, how did you influence the coverage of cricket in Pakistan, and what were some of the challenges you faced?

Dr. Nauman Niaz: In January 2012, I was on the launching team of PTV Sports. We were given old cameras, which hardly could match each other, borrowed studio space, cameramen not designated for sports, and above all PKR65 million to start programming. We had an ad hoc set-up and there was evident overlapping of job descriptions. Roles weren’t well-defined. So much had to be done. We acquired rights to the Pakistan versus England series 2012 from TenSports for PKR 65 million, I introduced a post and pre-match show with Shoaib Akhtar named Eye to Eye. It met with a huge success and by June 2012, PTV Sports had attracted PKR 555 million. Thereafter, we syndicated broadcast rights of all the top tournaments to see PTV Sports running as the No. 1 specialized sports channel highest on consumer demand and with top ratings. We were picking up 65 percent of the total sports broadcast revenue outlay within the territory of Pakistan, the highest amongst the competitors.

Such was our success that I was appointed as director sports (full-time working Director in 2014) and a portfolio of director sports syndication was added in 2016. To add to a civil award, Tamagha-i-Imtiaz for excellence in sports broadcasting and journalism in 2014. It was in 2015, that the then Managing Director Muhammad Mallick directed me to ensure PTV Sports netted a revenue above PKR 1 billion from the ICC World Cup 2015 broadcast. I was provided free space to plan the entailed programs. And two, he wasn’t keen on retaining the name Spice Views of our signature show. He wanted to have a catchy name and a tagline. I took an initiative, quite unprecedented and never done before in the history of Pakistan’s broadcasting. Pakistan cricket had been isolated after the March 3, 2009, terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team. No foreigner or team had visited the country until then. I on my initiative sought approval from Muhammad Mallick, to allow me to invite ex-top foreign stars. He was surprised but wasn’t skeptical and encouraged me to pull it through. I contacted Andrew Symonds, and he confirmed traveling to Pakistan to be our in-house expert.

Mallick was delighted nonetheless my detractors at the PTV went to him giving their assessments about me and to them, I over-committed and wasn’t a deliverer. He had all his confidence in me. A week later, Symonds pulled out leaving me perplexed. I could see the smirks and an element of disdain amongst the crowd at the PTV. I wasn’t giving up. Eventually, I contracted Damien Martyn, the ex-Australia World Cup winning star, Jonty Rhodes, a former South Africa celebrated player, and Herschelle Gibbs, the three arrived in Pakistan to break the deadlock. Our transmission was an instant hit. We picked up PKR 1.39 billion, not only meeting the target, but our ratings also soared and PTV Sports became relevant. I also had live analysis shows with India’s top channel and it created history when live studio broadcasts from India. PTV Sports by then had become a brand. We only needed to progress.

Consequently, Alistair Campbell, former captain, and Zimbabwe Cricket Union’s managing director based on what he had seen during the ICC World Cup 2015 broadcast built the case and eventually liaison with the PCB saw a full Test member team touring Pakistan in May 2015. Indirectly, PTV Sports had played a role in attracting international cricket back to Pakistan. We felt proud. Alistair Campbell became part of our studio team during the series followed by Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Mark Butcher, Dean Jones, Robin Smith, Ajay Jadeja, Brian Lara, Glenn McGrath, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Andrew Symonds, Ian Chappell, Sir Vivian Richards, David Gower, and Lance Klusener became our in-house guests. It was surely trendsetting, an enormous market attractor, a revenue generator, and a brand builder.

Journalism Pakistan: Despite struggling with health issues, you have managed to achieve so much. How do you stay motivated and manage your health alongside your professional and personal pursuits?

Dr. Nauman Niaz: Balancing health issues like non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and a genetically engineered stem cell transplant with professional and personal pursuits was undoubtedly challenging. Cricket and sports memorabilia have always been my passion. This deep interest provided a sense of purpose, driving me to continue my pursuits despite health setbacks. The desire to preserve and celebrate cricket history kept me motivated even during tough times. Managing health effectively requires a structured approach. Adjusting professional commitments to align with health needs was essential.

Journalism Pakistan: Who are some of your favorite cricketers, past and present, and why do they stand out to you?

Dr. Nauman Niaz: Being a historian, I believe each generation had its icons nonetheless WG Grace, Victor Trumper, Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Vivian Richards, Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, Malcolm Marshall have their niche, they could compete with any of all generations.

My favorites from Pakistan include Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Saeed Anwar, from India I loved watching Gundappa Vishwanath and Sunil Gavaskar bat, from Australia Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath, Sri Lanka’s Arvinda de Silva, South Africa’s AB De Villiers, Dale Steyn, Allan Donald, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, England’s Ian Botham left an indelible mark. Shane Warne, I believe was mesmerizing, so was his bowling.

Journalism Pakistan: What are your plans regarding your cricket collection? Do you have any plans to showcase it publicly or digitally?

Dr. Nauman Niaz: Since the age of 12 years when I first started collecting memorabilia, it was a personal endeavor, a real passion and it heightened over time. Primarily, it was my obsessive personality and the man for quality and to explore the generations before me. Steadily, it has become one of the largest personal collections in the world. To some, it is a dead investment and to me, it is simply a privilege to own it, providing me most peaceful, tranquil moments. Parting with it is out of the question. Nonetheless, keeping in view the high costs, both acquisition and maintenance and to acquire more, I believe time is to commercialize it all. How could it be done?

To establish Asia’s largest sports bar & café, thematic with strong aesthetics, divided into generations, preferably in Dubai since the scope in Pakistan seems unviable. I have been offered to shift it to a public place in the form of a museum. To arrange exhibitions or participate in sports fairs or conventions where I could display my collection and engage with fellow collectors and vendors.

To offer to give talks or presentations about the history and significance of my collection. To launch a virtual museum, a website having interactive and intercommunicable options. To produce a sequence of cricket history-based documentaries on individual teams, liaising with different networks and designated channels.

Use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to share photos and updates about your collection. Engaging with cricket communities online can help you connect with other enthusiasts. Developing a virtual tour of my collection, allowing viewers to explore the items online. To start a YouTube channel where I could create videos about my collection, including detailed looks at specific items, historical context, and personal anecdotes.

Journalism Pakistan: Are there any upcoming projects or books you are working on that you can tell us about?

Dr. Nauman Niaz: I have authored a handful of books which include the official history of Pakistan Cricket, The Fluctuating Fortunes (IV Volumes), Pakistan Cricket: Story of Betrayal, Collector’s Eye Volume I and II, and now my autobiography Second Innings (three volumes), and Cricket’s Witness are ready for publication. This continues.

Journalism Pakistan: What advice would you give to young cricket enthusiasts and aspiring collectors?

Dr. Nauman Niaz: Cricket memorabilia collecting is a rewarding lifeline for the passionate that connects the collectors with the rich history and culture of the sport. Cricket memorabilia is vast, encompassing items like signed bats, autograph sheets, balls, jerseys, photographs, match programs, tickets, and even rare books. Identify what specifically interests you—whether it’s items related to your favorite player, team, or particular era in cricket history. Narrowing your focus can help you build a more coherent and meaningful collection.

Knowledge is power in the world of collecting. Read books, join forums, and follow cricket memorabilia blogs and websites. Understanding the history and significance of items can prevent you from making costly mistakes and help you spot valuable pieces. Ensure that the items you are buying are authentic. Look for reputable sellers and auction houses. Certificates of Authenticity (COA) are important, but be cautious as fakes can still exist. Learning to recognize genuine autographs and match-worn items through comparison and expert advice is crucial.

The condition of an item greatly affects its value. Items in mint or near-mint condition are more desirable. Proper storage and display are crucial for preserving the condition of one’s memorabilia. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade autographs and photos. Use acid-free materials for storage, and consider UV-protective cases for valuable items.

Journalism Pakistan: How do you see the role of media and journalism in promoting and preserving the history of cricket?

Dr. Nauman Niaz: Media and journalism play a crucial role in promoting and preserving the history of cricket. Their influence extends across various aspects of the sport, from documenting historical moments to shaping public perception and engaging fans. Here’s how they contribute to the sport:

Journalism often includes interviews with players, coaches, and officials, providing insights into their experiences and perspectives. These interviews help document personal stories and historical contexts. Feature articles, special reports, and documentaries delve into significant events, players, and milestones, offering a deeper understanding of cricket’s history and its impact.

Media outlets may produce series or retrospectives on historical events, key figures, and transformative moments in cricket, bringing past achievements and stories to the forefront. Media outlets celebrate anniversaries, milestones, and the achievements of cricketing legends through special tributes and recognitions, ensuring that their contributions are remembered and honored. Broadcasting historical matches and events helps keep cricket’s rich history alive, allowing new generations to experience and appreciate past glories. Documentaries, educational programs, and historical analyses produced by media outlets can be used in schools and universities to educate students about cricket’s history and significance.