We’re currently engrossed in watching the semi final between Pakistan and England and it looks like the boys in green are pulling a Lagaan in Cardiff. However things were very different yesterday, when our cricket team was the butt of many jokes surrounding its linguistic skills.
While everyone (shamefully) had a good laugh over our esteemed cricketers struggling during their interviews, the always-vocal Hamza Ali Abbasi highlighted this issue and brought to light a very important suggestion. The actor/activist posted a video voicing his opinion on the matter, shaming people who couldn’t get over their colonial mentality and while Abbasi usually has controversial opinions, this time around he listed some highly agreeable, noteworthy points.
1. English isn’t our national language
There is no doubt that we as a nation have adopted the mindset that knowing English equates to being educated, which is not true. Most of us can’t even speak or write in our national language eloquently enough, and that isn’t even given half the importance it should be.
2. Our cricketers represent our country to play cricket
As Hamza said, “If you have to critique them it should be on their cricket skills, not on how well they speak, or don’t speak, English.†It is highly unfair to make their linguistic skills a focal point, when their forte is the sport they play and represent.
3. PCB should look into arranging a translator for our players
Because, why not? This is a solid suggestion that should be taken into account. Not only will our players feel more comfortable and relaxed when they are able to speak in their native language, it will be a good representation of our country. We see ambassadors and representatives worldwide who travel with their translators, simply because they are not ashamed to be speaking in their own language. Why can we not adopt the same?
Watch the video here to see Abbasi’s full message.
https://www.facebook.com/hamzaaliabbasi/videos/1504476236282712/
We contacted Hamza to ask if he had anything to add to the video message.
“They (the team) should ask for a translator,” he reiterated, when speaking to us later in the day. “PCB is obligated to provide one…or even some one from the team can come along who is fluent in English. There are many ways to solve the issue if you have the right mindset.”
