From conquering nerves to thriving under pressure, stepping onto the international cricket stage as a teenager is a feat achieved by few. Hareer Chamto is one of them. “Although it was my debut, I did not feel any nervousness”, she recalls.
Debuting as a teenager in an international team is a dream accomplished by a few. However, for Hareer Chamto, this was not the case.
In June, she became one of the youngest to debut for Sweden’s cricket team. For her, the international debut as a teenager became a moment to cherish for a lifetime. ”It was a tremendous challenge to compete against players from different parts of the world and adapt to their playing style,” she shares.
Were you nervous?
”I am quite adept at going with the flow, so it was not a significant issue. Plus, I have supportive teammates who helped me overcome nervousness.”
“Incredibly proud”
Hareer’s love for the sport began during her childhood, playing cricket outside her home. However, it was another sport that caught her interest in her early years – soccer. But it did not take long before she transitioned to cricket, a love that quickly blossomed.
”I appreciate the community within cricket and how it bridges various cultures and backgrounds. Right now, I feel cricket is something I can never part with,” reveals Hareer Chamto.
Her success and early international exposure have not gone unnoticed by her teachers and classmates. ”They are incredibly proud too. Even my English teacher remarked that I should show them how to play,” she says with a smile.
Challenges and adaptabilities
Swedish cricket has much to strive for on the international stage to become a force to reckon with. However, international experience did not just teach her about cricket at the highest level, but also how to handle pressure on and off the field.
”It demands quite a bit from you; it is more competitive. You have to display both physical and mental strength,” Hareer Chamto shares.
Beyond the significance of mental fortitude, she stresses the importance of remaining strong during and after matches, fostering a positive mindset, and managing setbacks.
”There are times when things do not go well or when the umpire makes a decision you disagree with. It is crucial to have the strength to let go, to manage emotions in other words.”
A bright future awaits Hareer
Considering the circumstances and the relatively brief existence of the Swedish team, the achievements are commendable, as Chamto confirms.
”We have room for improvement. Our relatively short stint as a cricket nation means we can continue growing and compete even better in the future, perhaps in the World Cup and similar events,” she states.
To achieve a greater success on the international stage, she emphasizes the need to increase cricket awareness in Sweden, invest in player and coach development, and build a robust cricket infrastructure. With a bright future, she aspires to elevate Swedish cricket to greater heights.
”I want to inspire more people to try cricket, as it is not widely known or recognized in Sweden. It would be fantastic,” concludes Hareer Chamto with a smile.
Photograph: Personal
