Ghulam Hussain Awan
LONDON: Former Pakistan fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz has launched his autobiography, “Reverse Swing”, last week at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, bringing together cricket fans, former players and members of the Pakistani British communities and media personnel.
The book signing attracted a sizeable gathering, with fans queuing to buy copies and meet the former Pakistan paceman. Nawaz described Reverse Swing as more than a cricket book, saying it contains personal experiences, behind the scenes stories and the “sweet and bitter” moments of his career.
Sarfraz Nawaz with former English cricketers, former Pakistan captains Mushtaq Mohammad and Journalist Ghulam Hussain Awan at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Sarfraz Nawaz with former Deputy Mayor of Chelsea and Kensington alderman Mushtaq Lasharie and renowned British educationist Amanat Ali Anjum
Nawaz’s name is closely associated with the development of reverse swing. He has previously described how experimentation with an old cricket ball helped him discover the technique, which he subsequently refined through practice in Lahore. Cricket historians regard him as one of the leading early exponents of reverse swing.
The autobiography also offers an insight into Pakistan cricket’s golden era and Nawaz’s experiences alongside some of the country’s most celebrated players. In earlier interviews, he recalled teaching a young Imran Khan the principles of swing bowling during Pakistan’s 1974 tour of England and later unofficial matches in the West Indies.
At the London launch, Nawaz said he hoped his experiences would provide useful guidance to a new generation of fast bowlers. For cricket followers, Reverse Swing promises a personal account from one of the bowlers who helped transform the art of pace bowling and make reverse swing a defining weapon in international cricket.
Sarfraz Nawaz also has revealed that his outspoken campaign against match-fixing and cricket gamblers came at a personal cost, claiming that he was threatened by people connected with the betting world.
He speaking about his autobiography Reverse Swing, recalled how his efforts to expose what he regarded as corruption in cricket made him a target. He has previously said that armed men threatened him because of his public criticism of gamblers and match-fixers.
At the conclusion of the event, a dinner was also held in honour of Sarfraz Nawaz at the prestigious “Mumtaz Restaurant” on Baker Street, London, attended by journalists and other members of the community.
Sarfaraz Nawaz is presenting signed copies of his book to various individuals at Lord’s Cricket Ground and the Mumtaz Restaurant London
