Pakistani fans are in a festive mood after the series that marks the return of international cricket in their country after two years began on Tuesday evening amid tight security
The home side, playing the first T20I of their ‘Independence Cup’ series, defeated the ICC World XI captained by South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis by 20 runs. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore turned into a fortress for the series opener, and similar scenes can be expected for the next two games at this venue, to be played on Wednesday and Friday.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electrifying to say the least, and as evening approached, even social media was flooded by a sea of Pakistani fans celebrating the ‘return of cricket’ on their land.
The Zimbabweans had toured Pakistan for a limited-overs series back in 2015, but it is the ICC World XI — consisting players from as many as seven countries and a Zimbabwean cricketing great in name of Andy Flower as their coach — has captured the attention of the nation like no other.
From former cricketers such as Shoaib Akhtar to Mohammad Hafeez — who is not a part of the Pakistani side for this series — as well as the fans have celebrated the occasion.
INSPIRATION was the Most missing part since 2009 in Pakistan cricket,these PAK vs world 11 matches wil help to inspire new generation 4 sure
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) September 12, 2017
Welcoming all the international players,Thankyou for coming!really excited to see you guys playing in my homeland.#PakVsWXI will be a hit! pic.twitter.com/Jed4pBUX6R
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 11, 2017
In a video interview to ESPNCricinfo, a female fan expressed the wish to get an Indian team to Pakistan for a bilateral series.
She said, “I watched the Zimbabwe versus Pakistan match. It was a very different experience as I would watch these players on TV and I was watching them in reality. The feeling of being in a cricket-mad crowd gets to you. You get in such a rhythm that despite being a Pakistani you start supporting the other team.”
“Despite all the provinces and the differences we become ‘Pakistan’. You get a feeling of patriotism. Sports is something that has a very positive impact on the society. There were security issues earlier, but once it gets sorted out, when we know we have infused confidence in other teams like Zimbabwe, we even had the PSL final here, we can get other teams here, especially India.”
“Even if I have to play PKR 2,000 or even PRK 6,000, I will go and watch,” said another.
What can be more beautiful than seeing int Cricket revival in Pakistan. Gaddafi Stadium's all lit after ages#PAKvWorldXI #CricketKiHalalala pic.twitter.com/XVD9VWT5PW
— Muhammad Adil Abbasi (@AdilabbasiAry) September 12, 2017
This is #Lahore, a cricket crazy nation. #PAKvWorldXI #Pakistan #CricketBackHome pic.twitter.com/rUUkuJgOhI
— Mudy Khan (@MuddyKan) September 12, 2017
Electrifying atmosphere return of Quality Crckt after 8 years !#CricektKiHalalala #PAKvWorldXI #CricketComesHome pic.twitter.com/SFQoKCBFEN
— Daniyal Ahmad (@DaniyalAhmad33) September 13, 2017
