Wednesday, January 10, 2007

ON LINE INTERVIEW-HASHIM AMLA


As I said I met Hash in Cape Town during the Newlands Test, Told him bout the blog,the support he gets from it etc. I told him to please give us a interview and Well here it is. He didnt answer some of the questions as he is preparing for the PAKI series but we will definately get some more from him when he reaches more successes in his career.

swoosh: Asaalam waalaykum hashim
Nice to have you on line
When did you start playing Cricket and what would you consider your breakthrough in the sport?How did it all come together.
Hash: I started playing when I was around 6yrs, like most of the young guys bakers mini-cricket was a big hit and Alhamdulilah it has just progressed from there. My real breakthrough came when I scored a century on debut for the dolphins. When you start off well it really helps for the rest of the career.

swoosh: Because you have achieved so much Hash, we going to focus more on the International situation. How was the feeling when you received the news that you would represent your Country at Test Level. Somewhere we all aspire to be.Where were you at the time
Hash: Alhamdulilah for the opportunity I have been afforded. The feeling is great, being considered as one of the best 11 cricketers in your country is an honour. The first time I officially heard about it I was in jhb driving to Pretoria for a domestic game. The cellphone was buzzing for quite awhile after.

Swoosh: A debut at Eden Gardens, Capacity crowd containing mad Indians. Talk us through it, The nerves, waiting in the pavilion,padded up, being the first Muslim to represent South Africa at test Level. Must have been a feeling and immense nerves.
Hash: it was a fantastic venue to make a debut, the atmosphere is electric and you can barely hear the person next to you theres so much of noise. Naturally I was nervous and very anxious to do well.

swoosh: Also refusing to where the Castle lager logo. Hashim do you feel you command a great deal of respect with your beard and solid stance as a muslim in the competitive world of World Cricket. You truly are an ambassador for Islam and the muslim youth and you make us proud.
Hash: Jazakalah for the kind words,It’s not for me to say whether I command respect or not but what I can say is that Alhamdulilah many people muslim and non-muslim have expressed the happiness and support.
Swoosh: While we on the topic, The World stood back in awe and were surprised at your calm response to the Dean Jones Terrosism incident. How did your fellow teammates embrace the situation. Also did you see Dean Jones in person after that.How did you handle the situation.? (If you go to youtube.com and type in Hashim Amla you will see a video and clearly hear Dean Jones Remark)
Hash: teammates were just as surprised as I was, you certainly do not expect that kind of stereotyping on the cricket field or anywhere else. I didn’t see or speak to the guy in person after Sri-lanka. Obviously there was going to be plenty of media attention towards it which in hind sight was a good thing, it raised a greater issue every human has to rectify and that’s our own pride and prejudice towards others based on no understanding.
Swoosh: In India you were with Dr Moose. He is my cousin you know. I believe the muslim community all knew Hashim Amla at Eid Namaaz. How did the Indian public and media embrace you. Was the Dr keeping you in check there.
Hash: The doc is a legend,Alhamdulilah really enjoyed my time with him. India was great,they are so passionate about cricket its actually unbelievable. When I arrived there the Indian media were very keen to know which town in India my great grandparents where from etc. I even found one day a picture in the paper of a flat where my distant Amla connections are staying,J was quite funny actually.

Swoosh: Hash for the guys, You toured Sri Lanka. How is it to tour with the National team.Couple of questions here.
Who do you hit it off with the most in the National team and get along with?
Hash: Get along with most of them, but maybe Ntini makes me laugh the most.

Swoosh: Who do you room with when you with SA?
Hash: we all get our own rooms

Swoosh: What is a typical regular day on tour?
Hash: practise in the morning (srilanka is boiling hot..durban times 3), stretch session in the pool , lunch, nap (+- 30 min), visit around the town ( very little shopping),usually some meetings in the evenings, relax and sleep.

Swoosh: I met Ntini as well. He seems to be a character,loud guy. How is he with you?
How do you embrace the fans when you out in public, particularly the muslims?
When you walk in for Jummah during tours It must be an honour for the muslims knowing that a cricketing icon has entered the building,if you phrase it that way. What I am saying is that communities must be proud
Hash: yeah he is a pretty vocal guy and its pretty entertaining most of the time, he and I get on well.
I try to give as much time as possible to the fans and supporters,I mean its an honour Alhamdulilah that they see me in a good light,just hope my family and friends don’t spill the beans about what I really am.


Swoosh: Hash We are so proud that you representing SA in the Pakistan Test Series. Tell us how do you prepare for such a big event both Mentally and physically.
Hash: I try and relax abit, spend some time with good friends and in the eveing dedicate some time for mental planning.

Swoosh: Do you engulf yourself in rigorous physical training. Let me put it to you this way, Do you require an extremely high physical level of fitness to compete at this level
Hash: the amount of games played and at such a Huge intensity you have to be somewhat in good condition. There are days where you train harder and the body feels it the next day but Alhamdulilah rest does wonders for recovery.

swoosh: I can only picture standing on the wicket surrounded by thousands of people and facing a fired up Lee or Akthar. I take my hat off to you HASH. Have you faced these quickies. Who was the most difficult or tricky bowler you have ever faced.
Hash: I have faced lee, most tricky will have to be Murali.

Swoosh: This has always interested me.Hash I know you are always paaben in your Salaat. Also when it comes to Salaat, Do you go off the field and let the 12th man come on for you.How is playing cricket during Rmadaan. Don’t you find this difficult with the roza
Hash:fajr salah is well before play (unless a day/night gamegoes horribly wrong) Zohr I read in the lunch break, we are usually of the field well before magrib time so Alhamdulilah asar I read when I come off.

Swoosh: Im sure the other muslim youngsters look up to you as a role model. Ahmed Amla, Imran Khan, Yusuf Abdullah. What advise do you give these guys or should I say what would be your motivation factor toward them
Hash: its great to have a few muslim guys in the team,get a good jamaat going. Alhamdulilah the situations is such that we all benefit from each other.

Swoosh: Hash Do you have any advice for up and coming lities if they want to aspire to reach the level where you are.
Hash: work harder and do more good then most, Come to salaah, come to success. Advise that was give to me that I truly wish I practised on earlier in my life.

Swoosh: Just some General questions Hash. If you had to chose any cricketer in the modern generation to bat with you who would you chose to accompany you to the crease?
Hash: steve waugh

Swoosh: What was the best ground you have played on locally and Internationally? The most atmosphere I should say.
Hash: internationally- Calcutta local- newlands

Swoosh: How was the daal chawel and karee kicheree in the sub continent, I see the other guys tend to struggle when they out there?
Hash: food is great there! Noticed they have halwa as a desert and not a starter.

Swoosh: Hash what are you future goals and aspirations in terms of cricket. I and a lot others hope to see you captaining South Africa in the near future. Your thoughts
Hash: my current goal is to do well for SA and try ad establish myself as a regular inshAllah
Swoosh: Jazakallah Hashim. Insha-Allah you will give us a century against the Pakis. All the Best My Man and we will look forward to your success and the Test Series against the Pakis's

27 comments:

  1. Hashim you are an inspiration to us all. Every time you bat i get more nervous watching you than you probably feel batting!

    Inshallah you'll achieve your cricketing ambitions- and non-cricketing ones

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  2. InshAALLAH YOU WILL DO WELL TOMRROW HASHIM
    OUR DUAS ARE WITH YOU

    Ahmed

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  3. Lovely interview

    OUR DUAS ARE WITH YOU

    Your Fans

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  4. hey swoosh wen u doin an interview wit me come on i was a legend just joking Hash u the man whether u score runs or not u do us proud

    salaams hazrat

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  5. YOU HAVE MADE US ALL PROUD HASHIM.
    ENJOY IT AND LOVELY INTERVIEW.

    ALLAH MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU

    IMO

    ReplyDelete
  6. We want a century to Shut the critics mouths, You go out there son and do your thing.....

    We with you all the Way

    Essoep V.

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  7. Go HASH. To have a muslim playing at test level and qualities that are Ajeeb, Insha-allah there will be lots of bounties for you out there.

    Keep the Focus, Keep the Faith and the Fiqr

    A Quwatul Saatie

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hashim You should have came for Eid Braai at my house.

    Thanks for your Autograph that you gave Naseem

    Good Luck

    Young Fuzzy(Cape Town)

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  9. We Want a 100. Insha-Allah
    Well Done Hash!

    Totti & Raihan Mayet

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  10. Hash u an inspiration!gr8 interview swoosh!keep it coming. . .

    ReplyDelete
  11. Tops man Tops !Wat an interview.Hash hope u do well and in all your future goals and ambitions.No matter anyone says,your doing us proud.

    Em_Ay

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  12. WELL DONE ,GOOD TO C OUR OWN UP THERE AND DOING US PROUD .WE ARE BEHIND YOU ALL THE WAY !
    YOULL NEVER WALK ALONE !
    CAPE OF THE KOP

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm not much of cricket fan but it was good to read your interview . You're definetly an inspiration to all young cricketers out there .

    Good Luck for the up coming games against Pakistan .

    P.S What was Hazrat a legend in ?

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  14. Congratulations, and I wish you well in all your future endeavors. You make us proud, and remember we are always backing you.

    ReplyDelete
  15. salaams,
    to be honest i never liked the S.A team much mailnly because of their stance towards non-white players, but i must admit it is an absolute
    privelage to watch u on tele..I hope that u do well and u are the only reason that i watch the S.A team these days...make us proud and show them what u can do bru..

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  16. I always Knew Hashim was a good lad, but from your interview with Hashim Swoosh, I have more respect for any sporting professional in this world.

    Alhumdulillah, May Hashim Amla grow in stature, and cement your place in the SA Cricket team.

    You're a legend in my books!

    AryM

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  17. Hash, you the man!!! Definately deserved a world cup spot, don't worry, i see u captaining next South African world cup side... NJOY

    Pops...

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  18. Hashim you are in our duas
    You a true inspiration and a real role model for all of us
    Keep it up
    We have and always will support you.
    Do us proud!!!!!

    Hoosain M

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  19. Ek se my broer, what you going on about beating the pakis. Hash hope you score well, but i hope the pakis thunder the rest of the SA team.

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  20. come on do an interview with me u said u will its like that well dont worry espn are askin me ill do it with them, swoosh my swaar said he will do the interview here is his number 0836559609 viva pakis n hashim

    hey cisse i am the legend
    anonymous hazrat

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  21. HASH BEST OF LUCK.DO US PROUD AND
    PROVE THOSE CRITICS WRONG.
    AMIEN RAJAH

    ReplyDelete
  22. Good stuff Swoosh…

    Hash our duas are with you, may the Almighty give you the strength and ability to perform.
    You a true inspiration and may all your dreams become a reality.
    You go boy, we all behind you!

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  23. a SUPERB 71 . WELL PLAYED HASH

    YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR DUAS

    GOOD LUCK

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  24. what an interview and what an innings. Well played Hashim.

    Good Luck with the series.

    Mohammed K.

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  25. Hash, good knock in the first innings againts the pakis. Keep it going.

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  26. Well done Hashim.... keep working hard son, prove those critics wrong...

    May this be the first of many Man of The Match awards for proteas that you receive Inshallah !!

    ReplyDelete

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