In most cricketing discussions about India, the topic very rarely strays far from Sachin Tendulkar, and nearly all the time he is the centrepiece.
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However, in a memoir titled 'Pitchside: My Life in Cricket,' administrator Amrit Mathur recalled an occasion during his stint as the Indian team's media manager when Sachin was not the centre of attention.
What happened when Sachin Tendulkar met ex-Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf?
In his book, Mathur wrote about India's 2004 tour of Pakistan. The team had been invited to then-President Pervez Musharraf's residence for a reception. The President mentioned Mohammed Kaif's catch in the second ODI, and showered praise on Sachin.
In Mathur's words, however,
"But Musharraf's best is reserved for [Lakshmipathy] Balaji, whom he hails as a great soldier, fighting bravely for his team even in a lost cause. As a soldier, he announces, not without a touch of drama, I salute his spirit."
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Why did Pervez Musharraf talk about Lakshmipathy Balaji?
Balaji, who had just started to take his first steps in international cricket, had caught the eye in Pakistan for his good looks and exuberance on the field. As an army general, Musharraf appreciated how the pacer gave his all for his country.
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Mathur went on to describe the height of Balaji-mania in Pakistan. The fast bowler was cheered by girls at the Wagah border, and enthusiastically greeted at the Lahore University of Management Sciences with chants of his name, "not dissimilar to the Sachin Sachin chant at Indian grounds," according to Mathur.
Rahul Bhattacharya on Balaji making fanboys, from President Musharraf to the men on the street. Great prose with a hilarious impact.
— Ajit Yadav (@bloggeray23) July 12, 2022
Pundits From Pakistan, pp. 116-117. pic.twitter.com/9oqDgiuAcs
Balaji later responded to his popularity in Pakistan, quipping, "It is ok, but who will recognise me in Chennai [his own city]?"
