|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 13 June 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Magazine |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Farveez Maharoof : The love of his life by Lakmal Welabada
"It is in my heart and brain," says the Wesleyite making himself comfortable on an arm chair at the Bloomfields Cricket Club, after a strenuous training session. Barely 19, he however has a mature outlook towards life. This was much in evidence during the interview for this article, where he responded to questions after much thought. "I started cricket when I was nine years old. I was in grade four when our coach for the Under 13 team made an open announcement, inviting the students to join the cricket club. I felt that the game was just in my blood. So here I am, playing since then," says the young trail-blazer who has since then gone on to win great accolade for his school and his country. Farveez captained the College Under 13, 15, 17 and 19 cricket teams and marked the first mile stone in his sporting career when he was picked to play with the 'Aiyas' for the Under 19 team while still captaining the Under 15 team. The memorable match was the Wesley/St. Aloysius fixture in Galle in 1998. In 2002, Farveez created school cricket history of sorts, when he scored 243 runs not out, against Richmond College, Galle for the Under 19 team. It was a remarkable feat in the young cricketers life, which has also seen him winning 70 per cent of the matches he played or captained and scoring over 3000 runs, while claiming 300 wickets. An all-rounder who excelled in studies as he did in sports, Farveez was a straight 'A' student, until full time cricket sidetracked him. His sportsman father, who had been backing his cricketing progress however began to be concerned when his son began neglecting his studies. Farveez saw the worried faces of his parents and decided it was time to buckle up and concentrate more on studies, especially as he was sitting for the O/L exams. He could not attend the classroom work for about nine months that year. Practices and captaining the College team towards victory left him very little time for studies. However he persevered and got through the exam, much to the relief of his parents. "Fifty to seventy per cent of young cricketers have to compromise their studies for the game, He says, pointing out that he was once a studious chap. "Sometimes I felt bad when I was neglecting my studies. But, today I have no worries about sacrificing that part of life, as all my concentration is now focused on excelling in cricket" he says, somewhat seriously. Farveez was a member of the Sri Lanka A team which played in the one-day triangular against India and Pakistan in Kolkata in December, 2003. He was adjudged 'Man of the Match' in the finals. He represented Sri Lanka at the ICC World Cup tournament held in Bangladesh in February-March, 2004 and was the Sunday Observer/ Bata School Boy Cricketer of the Year in 2003. The teenager's whole life seems to be centred on cricket. Glenn Mcgrath and Marvan Atapattu are among his idols. "Though my main hobby is cricket, I love to watch soccer and Rugby live as well as on TV. In addition .....Hmmm, I love music too. Mainly western, but also prefer lot of Sinhala moderate tunes and baila songs. Rick David's 'Seven Days' is my favourite as it contains lot of emotions. I love Milton Mallawarachchi songs too," he says. Three weeks ago Farveez marked yet another milestone in his life when he joined the Hatton National Bank - Pettah Branch- as a clearing officer, and became a member of the employed clan. "I play for the bank, and am very happy to work for them too," he smiles. Farveez says although he is religious minded, he prefers to lead a moderate life. "When I look back, I think I have led a very satisfied life. The only setback I had was when I had an injury in 2000 which kept me away from cricket for four months," he remembers. "Cricket is a game which needs a balance both in clear concentration and physical fitness. Also it is a game which you have to rely on your ability. What I can say from my experience is that whether it is studies or sports you must have a strong mind and work hard with dedication," he explains. When asked about a special girl friend, Farveez blushes, but says after a thoughtful pause, "She should be someone who loves me, understand me and accept me as I am." Revealing his future plans, he says he would continue playing cricket for as long as he can and would continue with his job as well. "I have no big dreams in life. I face life as it comes. But I prefer to have a calm and peaceful life. Hmm... also to get married and raise a family. And to live life as a good citizen." |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
Farveez Maharoof, the baby of the Sri Lanka Test team that toured
Zimbabwe recently is, at 6'2", a lanky lad with a gentle disposition
camouflaging a keenly competitive spirit, and an all encompassing love for
cricket. He lives, breathes and dreams the game.
