Over the past decade Pakistan has gone through a period of turmoil, both in terms of politics and economy. We have seen floods cause massive losses, we have seen the stock market crash, we have seen rising inflation, we have witnessed corrupt politicians, we have suffered from unemployment, target killings, bomb blasts, and other terrorist activities. We have also seen a sport, a sport that is loved and adored by the people, not being played in Pakistan due to security reasons. That sport is cricket. It’s a no-brainer. As a result of the terrorist attacks on the Srilankan Cricket Team, Pakistan has been forced to host games in neutral venues as other countries have refused to play in Pakistan.
Despite everything the country has been through, if there is one thing that really brings the people together and gives them a reason for happiness, it’s cricket. When Pakistan’s cricket team is in action, there is an air of expectation and excitement. Families and friends are all glued to their television sets right from the toss of the coin to the final ball because it ‘s not merely a sport, it’s a celebrated event that means the world to the people of Pakistan.Whenever a cricket match is on, people forget about the other issues they are forced to face in their lives and their attention is focused solely on the game. The usually crowded streets are empty, and instead, we see jam-packed restaurants and cafes of people who have gathered to watch the match with family and friends. Everyone who is travelling seems to have their radios on, and the most frequently asked question of the day is, “Bhai, score kia hua?” “What is the score, brother?”
Image credit: Sarah Stewart
That is the level of anticipation, togetherness and excitement that cricket gives to the people of Pakistan. Emotions are high when it comes to cricket because it means so much to them. It brings them together, it brings smiles on their faces, and it is an occasion where people gather to talk, eat, and cheer for the men in green.
Many people in Pakistan have seen their family members killed, have seen their houses destroyed by floods, some of them have struggled to fulfil their basic necessities, others are frustrated due to the high unemployment figures, while some can’t even afford education. Yet, there is optimism. It’s cricket that gives them hope and expectation. When the Pakistani team wins, it gives people something to cheer about, something positive to watch on the evening news, and a reason to believe that they will fight their way through everything and live a happier life.
When international cricket was played in Pakistan, we used to have crammed stadiums. Now despite being deprived of hosting international matches, we witness match screenings in just about every street, where hundreds of people gather to cheer our team and that is how cricket unites the whole nation. It’s not just a sport; it’s a massive, massive occasion for Pakistanis.
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