The Prince of Port-of-Spain, The Champion of Cricket.

Brian Charles Lara’s decision of quitting from the ODI format of the game must have brought sadness to all the cricket lovers around the globe. The left hander played for 17 years entertaining crowds from different countries while he amassed 10,354 runs at 40.60 with 19 hundreds and 63 half-centuries. In the period he played cricket there was no other individual who played with more flair, class and style. Lara was also recently named the best batsman of his generation by an elite panel which included John Wright, Ian Chappell, Tony Greig and Ravi Shastri.

By taking this decision Lara proved that it is not only his elegant batting that makes him unique, but also his attitude and selflessness that separates him from the rest of the pack. After a couple of disappointing series Lara was quick to identify that his “game is over” and decided to step back and create room for a younger, hungrier and by far a lesser talented West Indian to make a break in to the team, just like how he did 17 years ago.

To this day any team playing against a depleted West Indies would know that the game is not over till the master is at the crease. Even today the name of Brian Charles Lara would terrorize a bowler and the captain of the opposition. This decision of his would be a relief to most of the teams as they know that the only man who could single handedly change the entire complexion of the game while leaving the opposition helplessly struck in awe has decided to leave the arena.

I am a Pakistani fan, and that is natural because I come from that part of the world. I am also a Brain Lara fan, which is also natural because I love this game. Any cricket follower irrespective of his/her origin loves to watch Lara play. Such is the class of this man. And just like how Lara would walk any time he knew he has knicked the ball, he exits the scene with highest grace.

PS: We may be lucky and get a couple more Lara games. This is also a correction to my previous posting about the chances of WI, ENG and BD going through. If SA looses their games against England and NZ; WI wins both their games with good run rate, WI still could make it.