With each ICC World Cup season, comes new trends of celebrations, whilst some basic deficiencies remain, excitement never goes off the table. It is the most watched event after the FIFA world cup and this year’s Pakistan – India match expected to be viewed by more than one billion people worldwide.
Euphoria is created everywhere and from every angle our society is engulfed with it. Talking about the preparation of TV channels, they are keeping alive the frenzy with cricket analysts sitting in the fancy studios to rebuild public trust on their team. They ensure people that the chances are still brilliant; this could be our year. In doing so, the TV channels have finalized their arrangements to provide the best coverage of this mega event. Even the entertainment channels have scheduled their programmes in a way that it supports and compliments Pakistan cricket. Celebrities across Pakistan and abroad are booked to ensure their presence on recordings to keep the fervor alive. Moreover, cricket lovers are seen discussing and exchanging cricket knowledge to others in different organisations, shopping centres, offices, institutions, roads etc. According to a rough estimate, the match has already broken all the advertisement records, making it one of the most watched and highest grossing match in the history of cricket.
There are two intense matches in the world cup. First match is between England and Australia and second match is between Pakistan and India. But does it really matter whether we win the world cup or not? Actually we are more concerned about beating our arch rival India than bringing the crown back home. Despite expecting a nerve-wracking game, the spectators sitting at home will be waiting for some dramatic, emotional moments and heated arguments shown on the TV screens in the Pakistan-India clash. But they don’t care; they just want to win a single match instead of the world cup.
Though the anticipation of the Pakistan-India match begins with the announcement of world cup schedule, this year’s media bashing of opponents dominated television screens. India has especially taken a way of discouraging Pakistan by making fun of its previous record of continued loses against India. Since 1992, Pakistan and India have come face to face five times in the world cup but it has been India all the way. Media has created a psychological pressure of both teams. Indian media portray their cricketers as demi gods which on one side builds up public expectations while on the other side it is dangerous for the rival teams. Unfortunately, our tolerance level is little low and we nag our players right after a single defeat ignoring their hard work and glory they have brought to us in the past. But as the master, Shakespeare said, “Honeyed words and flattering looks seldom speak of love.”
On the other hand, the 15th February has given us a reason to unite as a nation, as it will be after ages that the whole nation will be on same page, praying for the victorious return of their players in the far of lands. Fancy and patriotic accessories and souvenirs (shirts, bags, bracelets, stickers, face painting) are designed and introduced in the market by shopkeepers and designers respectively. Special screenings will be held, parties are being organized, and the craze is overwhelming. The artist post pictures and statuses on social media pledging support to their social media in green and white outfits.
It was the match excitement that left Shahid Afridi and Shahazad Ahmad in chopping waters when they posted selfies on social media. Social media burst at them for being irresponsible or careless and non serious towards their preparations for the big day.
After every ICC world cup Pakistan national team players land in their native cities, heads down in the late hours. Some even go missing. Pakistan Cricket Board faces a backlash from media and nation alike and the returning players become victim of their wrath as either their fates have already been decided or their files are presented before the first board meeting.
Our new generation has grown up without witnessing the joy of actually celebrating a significant victory. They have heard the anecdotes of a frail team surprising the world with their spirited victory two decades ago. But these are only memories to reflect upon, our elders are imparting them to their next generation for keeping their fate intact on the sport that is played in every corner of our country. On the other hand, the severity of sports conditions are evident from the fact that it was only in 2009 ICC T20 world cup when Pakistan was able to become world champion by beating Sri Lanka by eight wickets. Especially when it comes to India, our team has either succumbed to their inhibitions or self-consciousness and this time, the expectations of cricket fans supporting Pakistan within Pakistan are not so high.
Many factors have contributed towards this situation. Pakistan became a target to various international conspiracies and internal politics. Pakistan’s major players were found guilty in match fixing, our major players underwent bowling action tests and the notorious battle for the chairmanship of PCB and other conflicts plagued national cricket and cricketers. The debates over various news and sports channels continued and analysts kept warning about the world cup ahead. Now the world cup has started but can we not win without Saeed Ajmal in our ranks? That we have to see for ourselves.
The memories of this world cup will live till the next one. This time, Pakistan is not one of the favourite teams but it surprises. Morales are high. To make this clash unforgettable, ICC has hired services of most reputed celebrities such as Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachan, Wasim Akram and Sachin Tendulkar. Dwellers have set big screens at several locations and malls and people have postponed their functions. In historian’s term, this match will be the most quoted cricket matches for the young aspirants of cricket. Even though the conspirators and terrorist threats have succeeded to barren our cricket fields but they have failed to harm the cricket love in the heart of a Pakistani.
