Playing Games
Shariq Ali
Valueversity
Playing games is essential for us humans. Not only do they improve physical health, but they also provide mental peace and happiness. Childhood memories are incomplete without the recollection of playing cricket in the street with friends. After returning from school in the afternoon, we would have lunch and lie down for a while at our mother’s insistence, but we eagerly awaited the call for the Asr prayer. As soon as the prayer call echoed and the sun’s intensity lessened, we would open the door and step out into the street. Children of similar age from our street and neighboring ones would gather. A piece of wood kept behind the neighbor’s lawn fence or an old chair would serve as the wicket, lines for the crease and wickets would be drawn with coal, and a stone would be placed for bowling, measured by steps, and the game would begin. Every boy had a reputation, either for bowling, batting, or simply making jokes and loud appeals. By the time the Maghrib prayer call echoed, the street would resonate with cheerful banter, laughter, and shouts.
Cricket began in England in the 16th century. The first recorded match was played in England in 1611, and the official rules of cricket were established in 1744.
You might be surprised to learn that the first international match was played between the USA and Canada in New York in 1844.
The longest match was played in 1939 between England and South Africa, lasting ten days and ending without a result.
Sachin Tendulkar is the only player to have scored one hundred centuries in international cricket.
Games are an essential part of children’s mental and physical development. They teach discipline, teamwork, and patience. Provide children with time and opportunities to play. Through play, children’s personalities flourish, enabling them to lead happy and fulfilling lives.