Coach Gopal Jasapara’s 6-for-6 spell in England sends a message to cricket lovers

By K.R. Nayar

Gopal Jasapara is not just one of the UAE’s renowned cricket coaches—he wears many hats, all related to cricket. Donning the cap of a player at the age of 57, he produced a remarkable spell of four overs, including two maidens, conceding just six runs and taking six wickets in the ongoing Crication tour match against East Molesey Cricket Club in England on Tuesday. His spell helped his touring team from the UAE secure a 55-run victory. East Molesey is one of England’s oldest cricket clubs, established in 1730.

Coach Ian Trott congratulates Gopal Jasapara for his six wicket spell 

Whatever cap Jasapara wears, he delivers his best. The passion with which he serves the game every day is an inspiration for cricket lovers. Appropriately, the website he launched is called cricketlovers.com. It showcases performances from the UAE’s cricket scene and is currently providing extensive coverage of the ongoing 49th Bukhatir League. Incidentally, on the same day Jasapara delivered his magical spell, Muhammad Shahdad—one of his former students at the G Force Academy from the age of 10 to 14—scored a match-winning unbeaten 192 in the Bukhatir League, helping UAE Kings XI chase down Macwise Titans’ total of 357 for 5 in 50 overs.

Jasapara believes that anyone who loves cricket sincerely and selflessly will be rewarded with immense joy. Speaking from England, he said: “I never dreamt I could produce such a spell, especially at this age. I never even imagined taking six wickets for six runs, although I’ve had many five-wicket hauls in UAE domestic matches. My best before this was 5 for 7 against Tigers Cricket Club in the Belhasa Cup final in 2006, and I thought that would remain the highlight of my career.”

Crication and East Molesey teams with Ian Trott 

A left-arm spinner, Jasapara’s strength lies in his accuracy. He has a beautiful rhythm to his bowling and the ball always lands on the right areas.  He teaches the same to his students at his coaching academy. “This spell feels like a lifetime achievement award from the Cricket God. There is a message with this spell and that is never stop playing the game and never belief that your days of match winning performances are over. As long as you stay fit and keep playing, magical moments like this can still happen.” said Jasapara, who has many hat-tricks in domestic cricket.

Coach Ian Trott and Gopal Jasapara as usual with budding cricketers 

Jasapara also wears the hat of a curator at the Shyam Bhatia Cricket Museum, where he ensures that all memorabilia are properly maintained and the game’s history is preserved on the museum’s walls. He wears the cap of a media person too and speaks on YouTube and created cricketlovers.com, which was once the official platform of the Emirates Cricket Board. He even owns a sports shop—soon to be renamed Cricketlovers.com Sports Shop. For Jasapara, everything revolves around his love for the game.

 As an event and tour organiser, Jasapara conceived the Crication tour—a blend of “cricket” and “vacation.” It was created for enthusiasts who wish to combine travel with their love for cricket. This is the fourth edition of the tour and the second visit to England. The current team features players from England, the USA, New Zealand, and eight from the UAE.

A shake hand for Jasapara's dedication towards the game  

Jasapara’s six-wicket haul came in the third match of the six-match tour. So far, Crication has won two matches and lost one. Batting first, they scored 174 runs in 20 overs. Openers Varun (18) and Mithun (31) added 40 for the first wicket. At one stage, Crication had reached 100 in 10 overs but lost quick wickets, slowing the momentum. Middle-order batters Umair (28) and Harshit (29) added 74 runs in the last 10 overs.

East Molesey were restricted to 119 for 9, thanks to Jasapara’s stunning 6 for 6, supported by Tufail Khan’s 2 for 21. Jasapara took four wickets in four balls in the 18th over. Spencer fought valiantly with an unbeaten 48, but his side fell short by 55 runs.

Renowned coach Ian Trott, father of former England Test star Jonathan Trott, presented the Player of the Match award to Jasapara. “I will return with the ball I used to take those six wickets. I will treasure it as a reward for my love for the game. My jersey number for the next match will be 4266, which represents my spell, and it will be placed above the words ‘Play with Passion.’ This is the message I’ve shared with every budding cricketer at G Force Cricket Academy, pasting it on all their kits.”