Trajectory of a cricket maniac

Only after I completed my graduation did my parents approve of having a cable connection at home. Until then, I had to rely on neighbouring homes with cable connections and electronics stores to watch the Indian cricket team’s contests. Each morning, I read the sports page of Mathrubhumi daily and took note of the sports channel that acquired the broadcasting rights for Team India's matches, despite my doubts about watching the live telecast.

At that time, I often visited my relative Shaji uncle’s house near St George School in Chathannur to watch the elegant game of cricket. The group that included my neighbours Mahmood and Mubarak will occupy their seats in the spacious hall before the first ball is bowled. Shaji uncle and son Shan would also be present amongst the small crowd glued to the TV screen. Sachin Tendulkar's famed 'Sharjah Desert Storm' was watched there with applause. The master blaster showcased his prowess against Australia's elite bowling attack, featuring Shane Warne, Damian Fleming, and Michael Kasprowicz, leaving the audience spellbound. I still love to watch the highlights of that iconic performance on YouTube.

Maruti Electronics, a service centre located near Chathannur Post Office, was another stopover for cricket lovers. Proprietor Nizam, a generous individual, always permitted us to tune into the sports channel on a repaired television, ready for delivery to the customer. The television would be conveniently placed to allow those standing outside to view the match through the glass door. A small crowd of passersby and regular cricket enthusiasts would gather. There would be a running commentary by Ayub Kakka, who runs a stationery shop nearby. Robin Singh's towering sixes have been immortalised on the cover page of my memoirs.

On those days when Maruti Electronics remains closed, Ravi Annan, the owner of the adjacent Mundakal Medicals, will make arrangements to view the match on the 14-inch television available there. The ambience at the shop was akin to that of a funeral home when the Indian batting line-up collapsed like a pack of cards against the formidable bowling attack of Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock during an ODI match against South Africa.

With the installation of a cable connection at Mahmood's residence, the audience in front of his ‘Supra TV’ grew significantly. Even though it seemed as crowded as a stadium, his elder sister, Sabeeda Etha, would manage a chair for me. During my time at Fatima Mata National College in Kollam, I would often skip classes to join my friends in watching the Sachin-Muraleedharan encounter on the giant screen set up at the Kadappakkada Sports Club.

I was seated in front of the black and white television set at a tea shop in Vattapada when Virender Sehwag smashed his first ODI century off 69 balls against New Zealand. VVS Laxman's 'very, very special' test innings against the mighty Aussies was witnessed with enthusiasm, thanks to the electronics store in Punalur. Following the establishment of Beeline Home Appliances in Chathannur by my Gulf returnee uncle and aunt, I began to relish watching cricket matches from a swivel chair. Later, when I became a sports journalist in Delhi, I was fortunate enough to write match reports. In this digital age where live scores appear on mobile phones, the crowds that gathered in houses with cable connections and in front of electronics stores to watch their idols play remain a nostalgic memory.