LAHORE – Lahoris, deeply distressed by rising inflation and the country’s overall situation, came to the roads and danced to celebrate Pakistan cricket team’s long-awaited win over New Zealand in the one-day series on Thursday. People chanted slogans in favour of cricketers and especially skipper Shahid Afridi.
Dozens of people gathered at various places and praised the team’s performance, which had brought smiles to their faces in times of deepening economic crisis. They hoped that the team would win the upcoming World Cup and not disappoint the nation. People gathered at the Garhi Shahu Chowk and performed bhangra and said that the team is playing as a unit and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should keep Afridi as skipper for the World Cup.
Cricket fan Mohsin hoped that banned cricketers Muhammad Aamir and Asif would return to the team and play a crucial role in the World Cup. He said that it would be bad luck for the team if both of them are not allowed to play in the World Cup. He said that winning the one-day series after two long years was a gift for the nation.
Another overjoyed fan said that this win would alarm other cricketing heavyweights, as Pakistan had begun the 1992 World Cup as underdogs and won it eventually. He criticised the international media for defaming the team. People criticised PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt for delaying announcement of the team captain saying that it could negatively impact the team.
They said that Ahmed Shehzad’s innings helped the team win and his talent should be properly utilised.
Student Faizan said that there is immense talent in the team and it has the ability to shock its opponents in the World Cup. He said that the national media should support the team instead of tarnishing its image.
