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KARACHI, May 31 (APP):Renowned senior sports journalist, commentator, and former first-class cricketer Qamar Ahmed has termed Hanif Muhammad, Zaheer Abbas, and Javed Miandad as Pakistan’s all-time greatest batsmen.
Speaking at a literary session organized by the Library and Literary Committee of the Karachi Gymkhana, Qamar Ahmed reflected on his remarkable seven-decade-long journey in cricket journalism. The event featured a candid interview by Dr Saad Shafqat, author of Javed Miandad’s autobiography, in front of a packed hall of cricket enthusiasts and literary figures.
Qamar Ahmed, who has contributed to international media organizations including the BBC and New Zealand TV, expressed his disinterest in the modern Twenty-20 format of the game, stating that he has never watched a T-20 match due to his lack of appreciation for the format.
Recalling his illustrious career, Ahmed shared anecdotes from his interactions with cricket legends such as Sir Don Bradman, Sir Gary Sobers, and Hanif Muhammad — with whom he had the honor of both watching and playing cricket. He also highlighted his close friendship with Indian cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar, and told the audience that he had played a pivotal role in helping him to become part of media team at the Daily Telegraph.
Ahmed, who spent over 50 years in London, also spoke about his international reporting experiences, including a historic interview with South African leader Nelson Mandela during the Apartheid era. “It was a great honor to meet Mandela after his release from 27 years of imprisonment and interview him as a BBC correspondent,” he said.
The veteran journalist also discussed his autobiography, “For More Than a Game”, which details his life journey from his birth in Bihar, India, to his migration to Pakistan, education in Hyderabad, and eventual relocation to London. The book also recounts his rich experiences with cricketing legends and historical events he covered, including the 1000th and 2000th Test matches.
During the interactive session, Qamar Ahmed named Abdul Hafeez Kardar and Mushtaq Mohammad as the best captains in Pakistan’s cricketing history. In response to a question about the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he criticized the selection policies, alleging favoritism based on regional affiliations.
“I was a good first-class cricketer but was never considered for the national team because I was from Hyderabad. PCB always preferred players from Karachi and Lahore,” he lamented.
The event concluded with enthusiastic applause as Dr Saad Shafqat moderated a thought-provoking discussion that paid tribute to one of Pakistan’s most distinguished cricketing voices.
The event was hosted by Jawaid Bandukda head of Karachi Gymkhana Literary & Library Committee & President Jan Mohammad Dadabhoy.