We’re a nation that grew up with two things: Biryani and Cricket- things we carry with us in our hearts and that remind us of home no matter where we are. Now imagine biryani being taken away from you for decades, and you only get to enjoy it from afar. Will that break your heart or crush your soul? Pakistani cricket fans have been facing similar turmoil for the past 28 years. Despite Pakistan hosting the 1987 and 1996 World Cup, international cricket seemed to have vanished from the country, especially after the attack on the Sri Lankan team.
But the days of sorrow are over, for cricket fans are all set to rejoice in the thrill of the sport in their own country. The adrenaline rush, the roar of the sixes and the agony of a defeat will now be felt too close to home. What more can a cricket fan ask for?
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A Long-Awaited Dream
In Pakistan, cricket isn’t just a sport; it’s an emotion, perhaps even a religion for many. People don’t just watch cricket; they dwell in it. It’s one of the very few things that brings the nation together, be it in a win or a loss, for we wave the flags and break the TVs together. But for generations, the Pakistani cricket fans have felt a tinge of sorrow- something grave has been missing. Watching cricket on television isn’t just the same as watching it in person. The wins feel incomplete, and the losses, perhaps not too personal. However, with Pakistan hosting the ICC Champion’s Trophy 2025, things are about to change.
An entire generation of fans who grew up watching cricket on TV will now witness it in person. They’ve heard stories of Imran Khan’s legendary six in Perth, Shoaib Akhtar taking down Sachin Tendulkar in the 1999 Asian Test Championship, or Wasim Akram emerging as one of the finest leaders in Pakistani cricket history, but this time, they get to witness it all.
Mera Piya Ghar Aya
The return of cricket is like welcoming back the love of your life who has been living abroad for so long- your eyes can’t wait to see them again. Siri, play the song Mera Piya Ghar Aya, for Mera Piya is actually home. 28 years of wait feels worthwhile, doesn’t it?
With the ICC Champion’s Trophy 2025 coming to Pakistan this year, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that FANS ARE GOING CRAZY!! Once again, the country, especially the cities hosting matches, is buzzing with electric energy. The pride, the sensation and the enthusiasm are witnessed in every person, whether they’re a cricket fan or not. It seems like the ICC Champion’s Trophy was all we needed to come together.
After winning the league in 2017, fans knew that Pakistan would be hosting the cup in the coming year. However, with international leagues, uncertainty always looms because of Pakistan’s unfortunate past with both politics and cricket. But just as they say, all good things come in due time; so did cricket. As the ICC Champion’s Trophy came near, fans across the country couldn’t help but celebrate the long over-due joy.
A Euphoric Feeling
Stadiums are packed- tickets sold sooner than one could imagine. However, the excitement isn’t just limited to the pitch; you can witness the same out on the streets, at homes and even at workplaces, where colleagues can’t stop themselves from being distracted during the Pakistan-New Zeeland match. It’s a different joy, one that doesn’t come near any other.
The era of empty, haunting stadiums is gone, and we’re all here for it. As a Pakistani, an avid cricket watcher and most importantly, someone who loves seeing their country flourish, I am elated. In fact, everything has suddenly turned into background music, be it long traffic jams or India refusing to come to Pakistan, because for now, I’m just rooting for the Green Squad and also Pakistan.
Zindabad.
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