Latest news with #Solly
Deccan Herald
5 days ago
- Sport
- Deccan Herald
Solly Adam's heart beats for Asian cricketers
Manchester: Talk to Indian cricketers of yore who played in the County Championship or leagues in the United Kingdom, and a vast majority will have something great to say about Suleman Adam, popularly known as Solly Adam. 'Solly bhai is the reason why I could play County cricket,' 'Solly bhai took care of us like we were his family,' 'I struggled to find a place to stay, and Solly bhai accommodated me,'… the tributes keep pouring in from legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Mohinder Amarnath, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and even from superstars from across the border like Javed Miandad, Imran Khan, Abdul Qadir and Iqbal Indian cricketers may not find English cricket appealing as most national-level cricketers make a decent living due to the strong domestic structure and high-rewarding IPL, but there was a time when making a trip to the UK was necessary for a majority of them. Cricket in England took place during the home off-season, and Indians and Pakistanis, who were largely free then when their countries didn't play here, hoped to find a team to further their cricketing education. .It wasn't difficult for the established names, but for a lot of others who aspired to play Tier 2 or Tier 3 cricket during the weekend to earn some extra pounds, they needed an 'agent' who could facilitate that. Also, playing in England boosted their resume, and performances here enhanced their chances of a national call-up too. And Solly, whose family migrated to the UK in the late 1960s, did that selflessly, instrumental in getting over 400 Asian cricketers in play in the leagues here without expecting or taking a quid in return..'The journey started with Rahul Mankad,' Solly tells DH at his sports store in Dewsbury, a town in Yorkshire which is an hour's drive from Manchester. 'Rahul came first here and he was playing for Clark Eaton. So, I went to meet him and invited him over to my place. During dinner, he said he had a lot of his friends like Karsan Ghavri, Suru Nayak and Vijay Mohanraj who would like to come and play in England and asked if I could fix them up at some clubs. So I scouted around and fixed those guys for various teams as in those days, there were no restrictions on the number of players in each team. Next year, I bought four more players from India and the numbers just kept adding up over time,' said Solly, who still runs the petrol bunk started in the early 1970s where legends like Laxman worked during their stay in the UK. .Amongst the biggest names, and a history-making one, Adam brought to these shores was Tendulkar, the first player not born in Yorkshire to represent the county, in 1992. Till the 19-year-old Tendulkar's arrival then, Yorkshire had a strict policy of selecting players only from the county, and Adam had to move mountains to get the club to change its hard-nosed policy..'I met Sachin during my son's wedding in 1990 and asked him if he wanted to play league cricket in the UK. He said he didn't mind. I first brought Vinod Kambli, who was playing for 25 pounds a week. Sachin wanted 100 pounds. At that time, Yorkshire changed their rules and signed an Australian, but he pulled out. So I went to the Yorkshire committee and said if they could sign an Australian, why not an Indian or Pakistani? We had a lot of arguments, and I had to keep travelling from Dewsbury to Leeds. Eventually, they agreed and asked me who I recommended. I instantly said Sachin Tendulkar..'I rang Sachin, and he refused. Then I spoke to Sunil (Gavaskar), who was in Australia, where Sachin was playing. Even the Australians were enamoured by Sachin because Bradman said watching a young Sachin bat reminded him of himself. That news was carried big even in all the newspapers here in the UK, and interest grew (by then, Tendulkar had scored his maiden Test century here and saved the game). After I spoke to Sunil, he spoke to Sachin, and Sachin rang me up saying, 'Solly bhai, I'm coming.' He was the first Asian to come here.'.What endeared Solly, which has been chronicled in the book 'Solly Adam: Beyond Boundaries' by Vara Vantapati, to everyone who met him was his hospitality and humbleness. Although he was a businessman, he never expected a penny from the players for getting deals with county clubs. For many from modest backgrounds who found the city and language hard to tackle, he provided food and accommodation. During weekdays, the players returned the favour by working in his petrol bunks, an organic development.
TimesLIVE
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Oscar Mbo weighs in on Ramaphosa's address: 'Remember this when you vote'
Musician and DJ Oscar Mbo didn't hold back after President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent national address, using his platform to urge South Africans to think carefully about their votes in the upcoming elections. Shortly after the president's briefing, Mbo took to social media to share his frustrations, writing: 'Remember this when you vote in 2026 and 2029, respectively.' While his comment struck a chord with many followers who echoed similar sentiments of disillusionment, not everyone was impressed. A social media user, Chauke Solly, took a swipe at the DJ, questioning his patriotism and suggesting that speaking out might put his international bookings at risk. 'So you want to kiss your international gigs goodbye?' Solly asked. Mbo didn't mince his words in response, telling Solly exactly where to get off. He made it clear that his livelihood doesn't solely depend on music. 'I don't make all my money from music,' he replied, adding that artists, like all citizens, have the right — and the responsibility — to speak out against leadership failures. He further stressed the importance of raising awareness, saying: 'We must speak on these things. Leaders who can't protect normal citizens create a bleak future for our children.'
Indian Express
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Vinod Kambli is part of Yorkshire folklore, his former teammates worry about him
In Yorkshire they still remember Vinod Kambli, the next big Indian batsman of the 90s who now epitomizes the frightful consequences of young cricketers failing to handle fame and fortune. The time Sachin Tendulkar earned the right to be the first overseas cricketer to call Headingley his home county and hit global headlines, his friend Kambli, yet to make his Test debut, was playing for a small club around there, making waves and friends for life. Many years later, those who played with him and against the mercurial stroke maker here back in the day, have read media reports about his alcohol addiction, watched his struggles to speak in interviews, keep asking that one question: 'What happened to Kambli?' Nasa Hussain is the head groundsman at Park Avenue ground in Bradford, an area dominated by those with roots in Pakistan and India. He, like Kambli, is in his 50s now. In the early 90s, they were young cricketers with dreams. Kambli was 19 but he had the swagger of a Test veteran. 'As a South Asian, Sachin joining Yorkshire was big news. I'll tell you what was better, he brought along with him his friend Vinod Kambli, who played in our league. I've never-ever met a person who hits the ball as hard as he used to,' he says. Nasa still remembers the first ball he bowled to him. 'He just runs down the track and hits the first ball for six, and you think, 'well okay'. Young man from India, never seen before, never heard of before, and he just comes and smashes it. Subsequently, he went on to score two double-hundreds against England. That was some talent,' he says before seamlessly switching to a rueful tone. 'In today's day and age, that guy would have been a multi-millionaire.' Kambli is part of Yorkshire's folklore, he is that enigmatic character, whose life story provokes both disbelief and regret. As with all colourful characters, it is the anecdotes that act as bricks in the building of a myth. Solly Adam, the man responsible for hosting and bringing close to 400 sub-continent players to England, has many of them. He isn't an agent but a businessman with passion for cricket and kindness. He was also the captain of the team that Kambli played for. At one point, Solly was playing host to about 10 to 15 Indian cricketers at his home. Many were staying there; others had made a habit of dropping by for meals. With the money from the club not much, most had day jobs – some working at Solly's fuel station, factory or shopping centre. Over to Solly. 'One day we were sitting, 10 cricketers. All of them had part-time jobs except for Vinod and Sachin. So a cricketer from Mumbai asked Vinod – 'Since you only earn 25 pound a match, why don't you work at one of Solly's places? Kambli didn't think for a minute, pat came his reply: 'Me and Sachin will make money playing Test cricket, I don't want to divert my attention doing part-time jobs.' That was exceptional, what confidence. He was very young, far from being a Test batsman but he had the confidence,' recalls Solly. Solly says he has dedicated a chapter on Kambli in his book Beyond Boundaries. It's a treasure trove of cricketing yarns that makes Kambli's batting flamboyance and his rocky life beyond the field jump out of the pages. It was on the advice of his friend, the great Sunil Gavaskar, that Solly had signed Kambli for Spen Victoria cricket club. When the Mumbai boy landed at the club, he didn't make a great first impression. Kambli was a frail teenager, his frame didn't give any hint of a hard-hitter hidden inside him. 'His arms are like chicken legs,' said one member. Soon the impression would change. In a game, he took the Yorkshire and England player Paul Grayson to the cleaners, forcing the all-rounder to take himself out of attack. Grayson would later confide to Solly that he had a Yorkshire game coming and with a youngster hitting his best balls outside the ground in a club game, he didn't want to shatter his confidence. Kambli's brilliant inaugural season got him a bonus of 700 pounds, a King's ransom in the 90s. Solly would travel to Mumbai and hand over the money to Kambli's father, who said he hadn't even seen that kind of money, Solly writes in his book. 'However, Vinod, when he returned to India, took all the money from his father and spent it with his friends … Vinod never cared about money, nor did he have any respect for commodities'. In his book, Solly writes that his tears well-up when he thinks about 'the tragic story of the bright child.' It pains him since Kambli would often refer to Solly in the English media as his 'father figure'. The final paragraph of the Kambli chapter is a helping hand to an old friend. 'I have attempted several times to contact Vinod, but unfortunately, I have not received any response from him. If by chance Vinod gets to see this at least, I want him to know we have a lot of love for him … Vinod, we all miss you, my dear!'
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
31 Thoughtful Gifts Every New Mom Will Adore
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Being a new mom can be physically and mentally exhausting (looking at you, sleepless nights and around-the-clock feedings). It goes without saying that being a mama is hard work, and these special ladies deserve props all year long (not just on Mother's Day). Show them how special they really are with one of these gifts for new moms. Whether it's her first Mother's Day or you're looking for a special "just because" present to celebrate this new chapter of your wife, daughter, or BFF's life, these gifts for new moms are a thoughtful way to show her some extra love. From gifts to make the transition to motherhood easier, to something to help her indulge in some much-needed self-care, to beautiful heirloom jewelry she'll wear forever, these finds will help feel heritage brand Haden just released this charming, retro-inspired 14-cup coffee maker that would be an absolute lifesaver to new parents. It offers equal parts style and convenience with smart features like a Brew Later and Keep Warm. With auto-shutoff, boil-dry protection, and anti-drip functions, tired parents won't have to worry about the machine staying on or making a mess. $99.95 at williams-sonomaIf the new mama in your life wants to try baby wearing, the Solly wrap has a cult following—and for good reason. It's made from sustainably sourced and biodegradable TENCEL™ Modal fabric and provides buttery soft support for both parent and child. Meant to hold infants between 8 and 25 pounds, it's also Certified Hip-Healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. $74.00 at a little custom flair to the baby's nursery with this sweet tummy time mat from Weezie. It's plush and portable, and can be folded for travel or play on the go. Bonus: You can customize it with embroidery motifs or the baby's name for a thoughtful touch (and you can pair it with coordinating baby blankets, pillows, and more). $95.00 at mamas will appreciate a cozy place to read, feed the baby, and get off their feet for a minute. This timeless glider and recliner boasts a contemporary silhouette with its sloped arms, high back, and wood base, and it comes in seven colors and prints. Bonus: It comes with a built-in USB port so she can charge her phone. Mom will adore that the fabric is water repellant and stain-resistant—not to mention, it's made from over 40 recycled plastic bottles (a win for the environment!). Plus, the chair is GREENGUARD Gold, CertiPUR-US®, and FSC® Certified, meaning it's free of over 10,000 scary chemicals, flame retardants, VOCs, and more. $899.00 at if mama got everything on her baby registry, she'll appreciate this luxe baby duvet from designer-loved brand Gooselings. Crafted in Portugal from 300-thread-count, OEKO-TEX certified cotton and filled with an ultra-fluffy down insert, this is one cozy layer she'll adore using to snuggle her new baby with all year long. We love that there's an option to personalize it with baby's name or birthday, too. $260.00 at the new mom in your life is breastfeeding, she's probably sick of being stuck on a chair or couch all day. Give her the gift of going hands-free with this rechargeable, wearable pump that's controlled via an app on her phone (it'll even tell her how long she's pumped and how many ounces she's produced). Bonus: It's super easy to clean in the dishwasher! $374.99 at mom's day with this beautiful vase that's hand-blown by artisans. The wavy rim and natural imperfections are so charming, and she'll love having this happy piece it in her home (bonus points if you fill it with fresh flowers, too!) $280.00 at moms are often short on shower time, which means products have to work double duty. Help her nourish her skin with this in-shower body mask that hydrates and conditions, while leaving it perfumed with a subtle floral fragrance (read: she can skip the lotion). Non-greasy and quick absorbing, her skin will drink up this clean mask. $31.98 at sleek bangle is an heirloom-worthy piece she'll reach for daily. It comes in white, yellow, or rose gold, and is available in either a smooth or hammered finish. You can also add machine or hand engraving on the inside for a thoughtful touch. $2160.00 at mom carry her baby in style with this stroller and car seat combo from Nuna. With seven pretty colors to choose from and a lightweight, folding frame, this sturdy, safe, and stylish travel system perfect for both city dwellers and frequent flyers. $800.00 at best gift you can give a new mama? Food that doesn't require any cooking or doing dishes! Goldbelly is an amazing resource to find dishes from her favorite restaurants around the country, from stone crab to pizza to desserts. Have a special meal delivered to her for a gift she'll never forget. $199.95 at Todd and Fresh Sends have collaborated on this special gift set that's perfect for new moms (and their babies). It includes a beautiful flower arrangement, a plush bunny, Tubby Todd All Over Ointment, and Tubby Todd Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste. $129.00 at mamas rarely get to sip their coffee while it's still hot! Help her enjoy her morning ritual (and stay caffeinated) with this smart mug that sets coffee, lattes, or tea to her ideal temperature with a handy app. $129.95 at we're being honest, most diaper bags are pretty hideous. This one from cult-favorite luggage brand Away is actually stylish and functional, so she can bring it to work or tote it with her on the go. It comes in four chic colorways and boasts separate compartments for mom and baby (because her laptop shouldn't be near bottles), stroller straps, a foldable changing pad, and a water-resistant bottom compartment. $245.00 at dressing can be a challenge, but this cotton poplin shirt dress is flattering on nearly everyone with its wrapped waist and vertical stripes. $334.00 at women are deficient in magnesium—and new moms are especially susceptible due to the toll pregnancy and/or breastfeeding takes on their body. Help her replenish with these high-quality magnesium flakes for the bath (bonus points if you watch the baby while she soaks). $29.95 at baby carriers are utilitarian (read: they lack style), but this chic one from Kovi is made for modern moms with its fashion-forward, corset-inspired style. Made from sustainable cotton and hemp, it's breathable and comfortable to wear, and its ergonomic design can safely support babies and toddlers between 8-35 pounds. Bonus: 10% of profits go to local charities, so it's a purchase you can feel extra good about this year. $195.00 at statement-making Art Deco-style ring is the ultimate gift to show her how much you appreciate her. With its striking amethysts and citrine, this piece is extra special for moms or babies babies born in February or November (as those are their birthstones, respectively). $440.00 at no secret that being a new mom is hard work. Take some of the cleaning pressure off her shoulders with this handy countertop gadget that washes, sterilizes, and dries bottles in 19 minutes. $269.99 at nursing an infant, moms often end up with a lot of time to phone scroll or read, so a Kindle that can easily flow between reading and listening will help fill the time and ensure she never misses a beat. $159.99 at one-of-a-kind interactive photo journal will help her document baby's first year, from birth story to important milestones. With a timeless design, eco-conscious paper, inclusive prompts, and a free set of photo prints, it has everything she'll need to get started. $79.00 at her feel a little more put-together with this 100% organic long-staple, OEKO-TEX-certified cotton robe from Meg Braff's collaboration with Weezie. Short sleeves and an open front also ensure easy access for breastfeeding, diaper changes, and more. Bonus: You can personalize the robe with her name, monogram, or something fun like "mama." $160.00 at may not always feel spa-like in her home with a new baby, but this candle can help usher in the relaxing vibes with its notes of lemon, coastal lily, blue lotus, sea grass, amber, and sea spray. $75.00 at ease her anxiety and improve sleep with this FDA-approved sock that monitors her baby's pulse rate, oxygen, wakings, and sleep states. With sound, motion, and cry detection—plus secure 1080 pixel video—she'll have peace of mind and never miss a beat. $399.99 at time is sacred to new mamas, and this body glow duo from Osea will help her look and feel her best. The body scrub and wash will help slough off dead skin, cleanse without stripping moisture, and prep skin for hydration, while the Undaria body oil is infused with seaweed for more hydrated, toned, and glowy skin. Plus, the scent features uplifting notes of grapefruit, lime, cypress, and mango mandarin for an instant boost of happiness. $68.00 at can be uncomfortable, before and after the baby is born, and all new moms will welcome a comfortable pair of luxurious pj's. These ones from Printfresh are made from 100% eco-friendly and cooling viscose and have seven fun prints to choose from. $188.00 at best gift you could probably give a new mom is a day in bed. Attach a card to this sleep mask, and tell her you're going to watch the baby for the day (or pay for her go-to babysitter) and give her a day of doing absolutely nothing. $66.00 at moms likely don't have a lot of time for an elaborate skincare routine, so why not give her a luxe product that does the job of several others? This nourishing face cream features a brightening duo of thiamidol and white peony for more even-looking skin, plus peptides to smooth out texture and add glow. $95.00 at bedding makes all the difference for a new mama who needs rest. This set is made from 100% organic long-staple cotton, so it's buttery soft and breathable. Plus, it comes in eight sizes and dozens of colorways, so you can find the perfect fit for her sleep space. $229.00 at a new mom, she may have visitors popping in and out of the house to visit her new bundle of joy—but she probably doesn't want to get fully dressed (jeans or anything with a zipper? Absolutely not). This loungewear set is chic enough to greet guests, but the 95% modal material still feels like buttery soft pajamas. $134.00 at mamas need their caffeine, so why not up her morning routine with this fully automatic espresso machine that can whip up lattes, Americanos, coffee, cappuccinos and more with the touch of a button? It also has a built-in milk frother and a hot water function for making tea. $999.95 at You Might Also Like Spectacular Gifts for the Most Stylish Women in Your Life 16 Gorgeous Indoor Plants for Homes of All Sizes
India.com
19-06-2025
- Sport
- India.com
Meet man, friend of Sunil Gavaskar, helped out Tendulkar by..., benefactor of Indian cricketers like Vengsarkar, Manjrekar, Kaif
Suleman 'Solly' Adam and his family walked for four days through the Thar Desert, sweltering with the sun on their heads and hot sand. Solly, just 7, held his mother's hand, his 4-year-old sister on his father's shoulders. They were handcuffed during the journey. They were later released near the newly marked border and told to leave for Pakistan. This was in 1952. It was the story of Solly's family being picked up from a village in Gujarat after Partition and sent to Pakistan. Though perplexed about where they were going, Solly was worried about whether he would ever be able to play his favourite sport cricket again. After a difficult childhood, teenage Solly boarded a ship to England with just £3. Hardly anyone would have imagined that he would go on to own several houses, petrol pumps, supermarkets and never miss a chance to play cricket. A homeless boy would provide shelter to countless visitors, mostly players playing club cricket in Yorkshire. Sunil Gavaskar and Imran Khan would be his close friends. Solly, who is 80 years old, told the Indian Express, I truly believe that difficult roads often lead to beautiful places and cricket has taught me many lessons of life. Solly has many guests at his house these days. Sunil Gavaskar arrived at his house two days before the first Test of the India vs England 5 match series. This Indian legend has visited his house many times before. 'Solly' was very excited during the phone conversation. Solly says, 'Sunil told me that I am here and we will meet during the Test match. I am very happy.' There is another reason why this meeting is special. This is the first Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy series. It was Solly who convinced both Yorkshire and Sachin Tendulkar to sign a contract in 1992, resulting in the Indian legend becoming the first overseas player to call Headingley home. Solly said, 'The moment I got to know, I reached out to the Yorkshire club. I asked them why don't you sign an Indian or a Pakistani? I argued that Yorkshire has a large number of Asian immigrants, so they can consider Tendulkar or Javed Miandad.' This was the time when the great Don Bradman said that watching Tendulkar bat reminds him of his own batting. In two to three hours, Solly convinced the Yorkshire management. Solly says, 'They chose Tendulkar, but there was a problem.' Away from the outside world, Yorkshire officials did not know how to reach Sachin Tendulkar. Solly told them to leave it to him. When Sachin Tendulkar was playing club cricket in England, Solly had hosted him. He had also attended Solly's son's wedding. When Yorkshire's offer came, Tendulkar was in Australia (in the middle of the Test series). When Solly called, Tendulkar, who was already troubled by international and domestic commitments, could not believe it. Now Solly can talk. His ever-growing business empire was thanks to his talent as a deal-maker. Solly says, 'I told him that he is young and can do it. Later I asked my friend Sunil (Gavaskar) to talk to Tendulkar. Sunil had benefited from playing for Somerset. Eventually Tendulkar was persuaded and history was made.' After reaching Leeds, Sollybhai's residence will be Tendulkar's second home, where hot Indian food is always ready in the dining room. Ever since Solly was an active club cricketer, his house has been open to Indian and Pakistani cricketers. Generations of Indian cricketers like Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Chandrakant Pandit, Sanjay Manjrekar, Abhay Kuruvilla, Sairaj Bahutule, Mohammad Kaif, Wasim Jaffer have enjoyed his hospitality.
