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Because of what it says about the real meaning of cricket, I am re-posting an abbreviated version of this article. Indian and Pakistanis, please read. It might teach us all something about spirit, attitudes, or will it? One hopes. "by Vijay Lokapally : June 19, 1996 The concern for Indian cricket is widespread and the evidence came at Lord's when a galaxy of sportsmen descended to watch the Indian team's `nets' session two days before the second Test of the Cornhill series. A former Pakistan captain, a former West Indies captain, a former India captain and manager and a squash great lent glamour to the training session, much to the embarrassment of the Indians who have done little to redeem their reputation on the tour thus far, losing to the national team, and a county squad. Javed Miandad, Vivian Richards, Ajit Wadekar and Jahangir Khan were in the focus even as the Indian cricketers went through a professional `nets' session one thought, what with a horde of left-arm seamers from the Middlesex colts team bowling to the Indians. ........ Miandad's was a splendid gesture. No one had invited him to come and talk to the Indians who have struggled to cope with the exacting conditions in England that require technical adjustments. Miandad, who is here on a private visit with Jahangir and Richards, felt he could contribute to an Indian recovery if he could talk to some of the young batsmen on the requirements in England. Why did he come to talk to the Indians? Miandad looked perplexed. ``Is there anything wrong in what I have done? I am a Pakistani but that does not mean I am not a sportsman. Listen, I am not a politician and I don't know anything about the politics. I have regard for the Indian cricketers and I respect Indian cricket and that is why I have come to talk to them,'' he said in a firm tone. Miandad, a character you would hate to face on the cricket field, is such a humble person, a total contrast of his image on the field, when you meet him off it. ``We (India and Pakistan) have our sporting battles but that does not mean we can't meet and talk to each other. Our culture and language are similar. We have so many things in common. Let our battles be fought on the cricket field and not off it. Who has time to think about petty things in life? Let us work together and work for a better future than fight over trivial matters. How I wish India and Pakistan could work together and make life difficult for the other nations. Imagine, having a combined India-Pakistan team. Who would stand up to such a combination?'' Miandad certainly did not sound a street-smart cricketer. Miandad is a man of vision. As he admitted once, he did not learn cricket in the womb, but worked hard to become one of the legends of the game. Today, having quit the game after the Wills World Cup, he goes around doing charity work, helping the needy and those who approach him. He is rich in every term monetary and at heart. It was a sight to watch Miandad surrounded by the young brigade Jadeja, Rathore, Mongia and Dravid. Manjrekar, still uncertain for the Test because of his sprained ankle, too, joined in later. The master spoke and the pupils listened in awe. There were technical tips and some philosophical. Miandad was the cynosure and the great Pakistani seemed to relish every moment of it, as did the Indians. ......... Miandad, who showed genuine concern at India's struggle in this