Pakistan cricket team brought cheer to a public distressed by suicide attacks and targeted killings and racked by acrimonious talk shows on TV networks. The bluster of the team into the semifinals was taken by many as a Pakistan Day gift to the nation. People all over the country forgot their worries for the time being and spontaneously erupted into joy as the team won a 10-wicket victory over the West Indies. Thousands came out into the streets in many cities all over the country. Even smaller towns in the hinterland of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh reverberated with cheers and slogans. This was a reminder to many that cricket was yet another bond between the people of Pakistan.
What was equally exhilarating was the way the Bangladeshi spectators at Mirpurs Sher-e-Bangla cricket stadium cheered the Pakistani players. The 20,000 seat stadium was filled to its capacity. Many Bangladeshis coming to the stadium carried Pakistani flags, had their faces painted green and white, and brandished Boom Boom Afridi placards as the skipper grabbed one wicket after another. They applauded and encouraged the team as if it was their own national team. It was as if they were vicariously avenging the earlier defeat of the Bangladeshi team in its match against the Windies. Few expected the slogans of Pakistan Zindabad to be raised by friendly cricket fans one day in Bangladesh. All eyes are fixed now on Mohali where Pakistan is to play the semi-final match.
What worries many Pakistanis is the peculiar nature of relation between Pakistan and India. The Indian government has been conveyed the concern and is reported to have assured full security to the team. While preparations are afoot for resumption of talks between the two countries, what is needed is to ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the match. A friendly atmosphere in India would help bring the two countries together.
