Freddy Sidhwa XI vs Forty Club - a special match with a huge message
By K.R. Nayar Dubai. When those who serve the game in various capacities come together to play a match purely for the fun of it, cricket flourishes in its full beauty. On Sunday (January 12), the visiting Forty Club from England played against Freddy Sidhwa’s Ocean Fair International (OFI) XI in a match that resulted in a thrilling four-wicket victory for OFI. This wasn’t a game played to win but to revel in the sheer pleasure of cricket on a lush green ground, in a weather reminiscent of an English summer. The match carried a profound message for all lovers of the game. Forty Club and Freddy Sidhwa OFI XI. Photos by Ajita Nayar While it wasn’t a historic match, it had historical significance. Both teams brought something special to the field. Freddy, the organizer of the match, is an inspiration to young and old alike. At the age of 83, he continues to defy age by actively participating in the game. Similarly, the Forty Club, founded in 1936 and now 88 ...