Adil Najam
Like so many others, I feel that we Pakistanis need to honor Bob Woolmer’s contribution to Pakistan cricket, to memorialize his tragic death, and celebrate his talented life. I believe that a good way to do so would be to rename National Stadium, Karachi, and call it the Woolmer Stadium.
The outpouring of emotions and affection for deceased Pakistan cricket coach, Bob Woolmer, is not surprising in its content, but certainly in its intensity. Pakistanis everywhere - and even those few who are not cricket fans - have been visibly shaken and shocked by his sudden death immediately after Pakistan lost to unrated and untested Ireland and kicked itself out of the 2007 World Cup Cricket.Political events at home right before his death - including the removal of the Chief Justice, the supression of protesting lawyers, the clamping down on the media, etc. - had already made for national discontent. The unravelling of the country’s beloved sport with the defeat against Ireland, Woolmer’s death, Inzimam’s retirement and PCB Chairman Nasim Ashraf’s resignation seems to have only added to a sense of national anguish, anger and angst.
Pakistanis have rallied to Bob Woolmer’s memory not just because of its tragic timing, but also for its symbolism. Amidst all of the shattered hopes, broken promises and fallen heroes, he has emerged as a - possibly the only - symbol of integrity of cause and decency of character. Given how tense and lonely his last many months in Pakistan had been, one only wishes that we had showered similar love and gratitude on him whilst he was alive.
The one thing that everyone seems to be craving for (and demanding) is to memorialize this moment as a reminder not only of how he died but as a celebration of how he lived and served Pakistan. Some have chosen to pay him tribute in poem. Many have written testaments of affection, respect and regret. Cricket discussion boards have been abuzz, many - if not all - are saying that we should find some way to honor him. Suggestions have been made for giving him a civil award, building a monument, naming a road or a stadium, etc. There is even a petition that has been launched for this purpose.
- National Stadium, Karachi, is one of two most important cricket grounds in Pakistan and naming it for Woolmer would be a fitting tribute to him.
- Unlike ‘Gaddafi’ Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium is not really names after any person, and will therefore not need to be ‘un-named.’ Other options could be to name the Rawalpindi Stadium after him, but that may not remain a Test venue for long. While a new stadium is planned for Islamabad, one is never sure when and whether it will actually be built.
- We at ATP have long felt that we as a nation do not honor the individuals who make a difference (e.g., here and here). We are especially lax at memorializing non-Pakistanis who have made important contributions (also here). Doing so for Woolmer would not only honor him, but it may also teach us the virtue of doing so; and, hopefully, doing so before it is too late. Hopefully, it may even set a trend for honoring others, some who may even deserve these honors even more and are still alive!
There are, obviously, other ways in which one could pay tribute to Bob Woolmer. Some are outlined in the petition that I have already mentioned. In the end, what matters is that we do something - whatever it may be - and do so soon. To honor him now is also a way of soothing our own grief; dealing with our own guilt (was it, indeed, our needlessly pronounced passions for the game that caused this?).
Alternatively, one could name the road in front of the stadium after him. That would not be a bad option, but would it be enough?
To name the stadium is to ensure that we will think of him, of what he did, and of what happened to him, each time there is a series in Pakistan. And long after the wounds of the defeat against Ireland have been forgotten, cricket commentators will explain the name of the stdium to their audiences by reminding that that no one should take a game - any game - any more seriously than just a game.
I agree with Pakistanian and even Bob gave his life to Pakistan cricket but there are lot of local heros who deserve more than bob.
Adnan Sidiqui wrote:
“IMO, Sarfaraz is not worthy enough to be discussed.”
You are right. I once met a Pakistani cricketer in a private gathering. You wouldn’t believe what he had to say about Sarfaraz. For starters, this is the man who taught the English team the infamous swing. Had he restrained it to himself and his team, goraa would never have learned it.
The rest he told about him is censored to protect the sanctity of this site.
Brillilant idea, there is something unique about Mr. Woolmer and his presence. Let’s all admit that being a Westerner in these times in Pakistan is not exactly very common. To commemorate a man who loved us (to quote Junaid Jamshed, Woolmer said “I live in Pakistan, I will die in Pakistan and be buried in Pakistan”), we should honor him in a way that is classy, honorable, and fitting.
Short of starting a cricket academy in his honor, this would be the next best alternative.
Adnan Siddiqi, had it been upon the Nazim’s/City Govt’s discretion, the National Stadium would’ve been named Altaf Hussain Stadium long time ago, so thankfully its not their call. In my opinion the Test Match venues are like national monuments and their names should be reserved for national heros, Quaid-e-Azam, Allama Iqbal et at calibre. Having said that, I think Gaddafi Stadium should be renamed immediately as well. There could be other ways to immortalize Bob Woolmer and his services to our country. Here are a few of my suggestions,
Name the National Cricket Academy, Bob Woolmer Cricket Academy.
Name a domestic cricket competition as Bob Woolmer Cup/Trophy
Name a section of a Test stadium as Bob Woolmer Enclosure/Section/Pavillion/Gate
IMO, Sarfaraz is not worthy enough to be discussed.
I think this is a silly idea. Cricket stars who have made far greater contributions to Pakistan cricket have not had stadiums named after them so naming a stadium after a coach who was widely criticised in Pakistan is just not fair. After all Pakistan cricket has reached its lowest point during the coaching tenure of Woolmer.
not a bad idea. It is true that national stadium has a long history (1954-07) but renaming to Bob Woolmer will make it more meaningful. To me word ‘National’ is very generalized anyways
again an emotional campaign.. National Stadium has a magnificient history, renaming it as Woolmer Stadium is rather unsuitable.
a new stadium is to be built in Islamabad, it can be named after Woolmer.