It’s a Sunday afternoon in Lahore, and we find ourselves at the Niazi bus station on the city’s outskirts. As we wait for our car to Islamabad, a group of youngsters catches our attention, huddled in one corner of the waiting area, their eyes fixed on a smartphone screen.
A roar of excitement erupts as Babar Azam strikes a boundary, setting the tone against India in the Champions Trophy clash in Dubai. It’s a crucial day for cricket, and these fans, despite being in transit, are determined to cheer for their team.
Strangers just moments ago, they have now come together over a shared passion. As one passenger begins streaming the match, others instinctively gather around, eager not to miss a single moment of the action. “ Yehi cricket hain, sabko ek saath kar deta hain (Cricket unites everyone),” said Amjad, who hails from Dera Ismail Khan but had come to Lahore for work.
“All of us are strangers, but on match days against India, everyone becomes a friend,” he said, regretting that it would have been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for him and many others had India played at Gaddafi Stadium instead of a neutral venue in Dubai.
A similar scene played out at the nearby travel agency stores, where customers and drivers gathered to catch glimpses of the game. Initially brimming with confidence, the crowd’s optimism faded as Pakistan lost quick wickets, including those of Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq. “ Yaar, yeh koi run tha (There was never a run there)!” an elderly man exclaimed in frustration as Imam was run out, while others nodded in agreement.
A similar scene played out at the nearby travel agency stores, where customers and drivers gathered to catch glimpses of the game
| Photo Credit:
Shayan Acharya
A similar scene played out at the nearby travel agency stores, where customers and drivers gathered to catch glimpses of the game
| Photo Credit:
Shayan Acharya
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to steady the innings, briefly giving fans something to cheer for. However, the excitement was short-lived — Shakeel fell after scoring a century, and Rizwan soon followed. As the match slipped further from Pakistan’s grasp, the once-absorbed spectators quietly dispersed, boarding their respective buses.
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“ Aap ki team to jeet gayi (Your team won),” remarked the hotel reception staff as we arrived in Islamabad after a long drive. Since it was a Sunday, the hotel had organised a special screening for fans. However, with Pakistan’s defeat crushing its hopes of reaching the semifinals, the screening area lay nearly empty. A few diners quietly enjoyed their meals, but interest in the match had all but faded.
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Yet, if the locals are to be believed, Thursday’s clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan at Rawalpindi Stadium is already sold out.
“It would have been wonderful if the team had won [against India], but people will still turn up in Pindi to show their support,” said a hotel staff member. With a smile, he added, “I would love to watch Virat Kohli in action someday.”
“That’s my wish. I hope I get to see one of his matches soon,” he continued. With Pakistan hosting an ICC event after a long time, posters of Kohli and Rohit Sharma are displayed prominently across the cities.
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As we drove from Lahore to Rawalpindi, our driver, Adnan, was delighted to learn that the Diary had come from India to cover the tournament. “ India se ho? Aap ko kuch sunata hoon (You’re from India? Let me play you something ),” he said with a smile before playing some iconic songs by Indian singer Kumar Sanu on the car’s music system.
Adnan, the diary’s cab driver from Lahore to Rawalpindi, is a big fan of Indian singer Kumar Sanu.
| Photo Credit:
Shayan Acharya
Adnan, the diary’s cab driver from Lahore to Rawalpindi, is a big fan of Indian singer Kumar Sanu.
| Photo Credit:
Shayan Acharya
“I’m a big fan of Kumar Sanu. I’ve loved listening to his songs since childhood,” Adnan said as he played classics like Sajna Sajna and Kitna Pyar Tumhe Karte Hain.
“One day, I’d love to meet him and take a picture with him. I hope I get the chance,” he added. Adnan also enjoys listening to legends like Noor Jahan and Atif Aslam. “But when it comes to Hindi music, Sanu best hain…” he said with a grin. “ Idhar toh Hindi gaane kaafi chalte hain (Here, Hindi songs are quite popular). I love listening to old songs…”