Crafting the Ground, One Pitch at a Time

musarrat ullah jan -

 

His true domain was the pitch. And pitch-making, as anyone in cricket knows, is an art form that blends science, instinct, and hours of manual labor. Tariq Lala mastered that art. With time, he became the soul of the Arbab Niaz Stadium, shaping pitches that hosted countless national and international matches.

Players, curators, and fans often remember seeing him quietly tending the ground, rain or shine. His photographs with cricketers like Shahid Afridi and West Indian greats still circulate online — a testament to the many legends who played on the pitches he prepared.

Even the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recognized his talent, briefly engaging him for his expertise. Though he remained mostly with KP’s sports department, his skills were acknowledged on a national level.

Tariq Lala was a simple, quiet man — always found working behind the scenes. Cricket was not just a job for him; it was his life. While others counted trophies and records, he counted perfect bounces, cracks in the surface, and the satisfaction of a well-balanced pitch.

His entire life revolved around the ground. His dedication was unmatched — a silent craftsman creating the foundation for every cricketer’s performance.

Behind this hard-working man was a humble home. He was a father to two daughters and one son. Tragically, he passed away just a month before his daughter’s wedding — a heartbreaking moment for the family and those who knew him. It was a loss that added a layer of sorrow to what should have been a joyous occasion.

Now that Tariq Lala is no longer with us, it becomes a moral responsibility of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate to support his family. Men like him — silent workers, devoted professionals — form the backbone of our sporting success, and they deserve dignity in life and beyond.

Tariq Lala wasn’t just a groundsman. He was a guardian of the game, a mentor in his own right, and a true servant of cricket. His honesty, simplicity, and commitment are lessons for the younger generation. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous, and may his legacy live on in every pitch that carries his touch. Ameen.

#kikxnow #sports #kpk #kp #tariqlala #funds #dc #sportsdirectorate #pakistangames #musarratullah #fawadalishah

 

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