A cricketers journey into golf
Athar Ali Khan — the voice of Bangladesh cricket. The former all-rounder of the national cricket team, who played many a memorable knocks for the country and bowled out many opposition batters, has made a smooth transition from his cricketing career to that of a cricket commentator. Now that he is retired, Athar gets more time to try out his passion: golf. A stylish man through and through, Athar makes his style statement stand out like he used to do with his willow during his playing days. In this freewheeling interview, the cricketer-turned-commentator talks about his passion for golf and his fashion statement, apart from of course, his cricketing achievements.
Everyone knows you for your cricketing accomplishments and also as a cricket commentator, but few know that you are a passionate golfer too. How did this passion for golf come about?
My brother, who lives in California, is an active golfer and he was the one who took me to the driving range in the late ‘90s. I still remember getting embarrassed since I missed the ball completely when I took my very first swing and that really challenged me to take up golf.
I started playing golf after my retirement from actively playing cricket. While on tours, it is good to go out there and play with my fellow commentators. I love the game but don’t take it seriously.
A lot of cricketers play golf as a pastime, maybe more than any other sports. Why does it happen, according to you?
It’s a very natural progression from cricket to golf. It’s a mental game just like cricket. Strategy, patience, attack, defence — it’s all there in both games.
GOLF IS A MENTAL GAME JUST LIKE CRICKET. STRATEGY,
PATIENCE, ATTACK, DEFENSE, IT’S ALL THERE IN BOTH GAMES.
Has your cricketing experience influenced your approach to golf?
Cricket is a team sport where you need to depend on the contribution of your teammates. In golf, you are on your own. There are times when one is competing against oneself. There are lots of learning from cricket I bring to the game of golf — the biggest being how to be patient.
What is your golfing routine?
I am an avid but amateur golfer. I like to play more but work and travel commitments don’t allow me to do so. As such I am not going to the range to practise. On game day I will hit a bucket or two at the range and spend time doing putting drills. That’s about it.
What, according to you, is the most gratifying thing about golf?
Golf is meditation to me. It helps me relax, gather my thoughts and shut out the daily noise when I am playing. For that I am grateful to golf.
Who are your favourite golfers?
Siddikur Rahman. I look at him and I get inspired by his commitment and achievements against all odds. My all-time favourite is Tiger Woods and I also admire Sadiq Quddus.
When you go abroad for commentary purpose, do you make time to play a round of golf?
Not always. But yes, I try to sneak in a round or two.
Any memorable experience playing golf with a cricketer or a cricket commentator?
I have had the pleasure of playing with Ian Bishop and Jeff Dujon at the Royal Saint Kitts Golf Club (Saint Kitts & Nevis), played with Wasim Akram and a few other fellow commentators.
Coming back to cricket, what is your most memorable performance?
82 against Pakistan (Asia Cup, Colombo, 1997)
Which achievement of Bangladesh team still gives you goosebumps?
1997 ICC Trophy win – which qualified Bangladesh to the World Cup and laid the foundation for our eventual Test membership.
Last but not the least, you are a style icon for many, not just in Bangladesh but also across the cricketing world. Your style sense is flamboyant and unique. Could you give us a lowdown about the brands or accessories you use on different occasions?
I am not brand conscious. Rather I focus on quality and comfort. I also like to go ‘against’ the norm of fashion. I started wearing bow ties at the time when bow ties were not in vogue.
Do you prefer any specific brands when dressing up for golf? What is your favourite golfing attire?
No, not really. I am looking to be comfortable in what I am wearing while I play.
