Book Review: Asian Glory

By Bushra Almas Jaswal

Cricket is a sport which runs through the bloods of people in South Asia; the most populous subcontinent where people follow this sport with great passion and enthusiasm. The World Cup 2011 had a special significance for Asian nations as three of them, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka entered the semifinals and one of them won the title.

‘Asian Glory: Cricket World Cup 2011’ by Syed Khalid Mahmood is a comprehensive narrative of the achievements of Asian cricketing nations; Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the World Cup 2011 with a detailed background of the their achievements since the inaugural World Cup in 1975 till the World Cup in 2011. 

Presenting a smooth panorama of glimpses from past, of Pakistan’s major victory coming in 1992, India winning the World Cup a couple of times in 1983 and the latest edition in 2011 and Sri Lanka winning the World Cup in 1996, the book refers to the glory of Asia in cricket with three out of four teams in the World Cup 2011 were from Asia. 

The author has highlighted the major performances by star players from Asian teams with Dhoni and Yuvraj from India, the role of Gary Kirsten, Indian coach in their title victory, performance of Kumar Sangakkara and Tillekeratne Dilshan throughout the World Cup from Sri Lanka and performances of Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Gul from Pakistan. In cricket no game is considered bigger enough than a Pakistan versus India match, so the author has discussed the excitement of Pakistan-India semifinal as well.

Alongside major highlights of the World Cup 2011, the author has also discussed few controversies such as suspicions of match fixing and spot fixing starting right from the inaugural game between Bangladesh and India. Another talking point was UDRS the Umpires Decision Review System which was first used in this World Cup received mix responses. 

Overall this is a very good book highlighting the glory of the Asian nations in World Cup editions; it also provides insights into successes and controversies of the World Cup 2011 alongside major performances by the Asian players. 

Printed in paperback the book fully portrays the excitement of the World Cup 2011 with glimpses of all major events and key moments highlighted in colour pictures. 

Written in a soft-flowing continuation that captures the reader's interest from start till end, the book is a must read and a keepsake for both; serious sports readers as well as leisure/pleasure readers and a welcome addition to the recorded history of cricket in Asia. 

***For further details about Asian Glory, please write to jumbopublishing@yahoo.com or call Asad Raza at 0333-2304024