More than half of the non-Muslim cricketers who have played for Pakistan were from Karachi: Dinesh Kaneria, Anil Dalpat, Antao D'souza and Waalis Mathias. This shows the inclusive environment of Pakistan's largest city which provides opportunities to everyone without considering caste, creed or colour.

While there have been some articles written about these cricketers, no one ever bothered to write about non-Muslim first class cricketers of Karachi. Considering this, "Karachi's Non-Muslim Cricketers: A Unique Cricketing Chronicle" is a groundbreaking book that delves into the untold stories of non-Muslim cricketers from Karachi who excelled at the first-class and international levels. The book, published in Urdu with an English version forthcoming, sheds light on the achievements of Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Parsi, and Sikh cricketers from Karachi. Through meticulous research and rare photographs, the book reveals the city's rich cultural diversity and its history of accepting people from all backgrounds.

A notable aspect of the book is its exploration of the pre-partition era, highlighting the presence of non-Muslim cricketers in Karachi before 1947. The book also corrects a common misconception, revealing that Karachi has produced over 100 first-class cricketers from diverse religious backgrounds. This remarkable fact is a testament to the city's inclusive spirit and its ability to foster talent regardless of creed or community.

What sets this book apart is its seamless weaving of cricket with history, exploring the migration, settlement, and contributions of non-Muslim cricketers to the city's progress. The book is a treasure trove of information, featuring hard-to-find pictures, statistics, and personal stories of the cricketers. From the Jewish cricketer who represented Israel's national team to the Hindu and Christian cricketers who made their mark on the international stage, the book is a fascinating read.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is its ability to challenge common stereotypes and misconceptions about Karachi's cricketing history. By highlighting the achievements of non-Muslim cricketers, the book provides a nuanced and balanced view of the city's sporting heritage. Furthermore, the book's focus on the personal stories of the cricketers adds a touching and humanizing element to the narrative.

The book's launch is scheduled for next month at the Karachi Press Club (KPC). However, a minor printing error has been noticed on the book's cover, where England's former captain Mike Brearley has been mistakenly pictured instead of a Hindu first-class cricketer.

Written by Shah Waliullah Junaidi, a renowned journalist and author, this book is a testament to his sharp instinct for spotting unseen perspectives. With its unique blend of sports and history, "Karachi's Non-Muslim Cricketers" is a chronicle that will captivate readers and inspire a new appreciation for the city's rich cultural heritage.

intikhab3@gmail.com