Pakistan the 20/20 Cricket Champions: There is a show called Heroes and they must save the cheerleader to save the world. There was famous news story of a mother lifting a car all by herself to get her baby from under it. There was a man who the world wrote off as a madman yet he become one of the most powerful legends in America. All of the above and many other unexplained trumps are exactly what this world is about and just one simple move some times sets a chain reaction that changes everything around. In Pakistan cricket is not only a sport but a lovely means to escape the realities. It’s a way to make your mark and no other country has produced or wasted more young talent than Pakistan.
It doesn’t matter how Afridi performs in any game; the expectations always reach the Outer Limits. Another player can hit a four, a six and a four in a row but when it’s done by Afridi; it seems more exciting, gets that sweet pain in your stomach to float in air more. Afridi brings excitement and hope. Even when Pakistan is on the verge of losing, if Afridi is still there or yet to come; the country expects a miracle. No chase or run rate is out of his reach or at least that is what every Pakistani fan expects and history has shown on his day nothing matters; the pitch, ball condition, great deliveries and the logic all go out of the window. Afridi is to Pakistan cricket as Usain Bolt is to 100 meter race with only difference being; Afridi has been around for more than 9.6… seconds. It does not matter what happened tomorrow, the Pakistani team has already delivered more than expected but in doing so increased the expectations level. In reality every fan has already gained more than expected in dreams hope has no limits.
“Younis perplexed at shoddy Pakistan display”
“Pakistan is not going anywhere”
“Boom Boom Afridi sucks; should be Doom, Doom Afridi”
“ In this form it is better to take it easy and have fun. It is like WWF.
“Gul the hottest brand in 20/20 bowling”
“Men with je ne sais quoi”
There were lots of quotes about Pakistan team but as the time went by the thought process changed from negatives to neutral to out right positive. Now regardless of the pundits and the odds; some don’t want Pakistan to win and others already brought the title to Pakistan. In life regardless of the mistakes; gain momentum and even you critics will be on your side and this is exactly what is happening. I think the chain reaction thought process makes sense, Afridi’s catch started the dream streak but Umar Gul’s dominance started with “Tall, sharp and uncomplicated” profile by Osman Samiuddin on June 13. imagine lifting the hopes and dreams of the entire nation with 24 balls packed with Yorkers. Imagine no limelight for the wrong reason, imagine being on the forefront of Pakistan’s bowling attack yet still have nothing but ultimate character keeping your head high and strong. Umar Gul’s name is now being said in the same breath as Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram; there is no doubt he is a legend in making and Pakistan cricket can use as many legends as possible and the world cannot ignore the raw talent Pakistan produces. Gul is to Pakistan cricket as Michael Jordan was to Chicago Bulls, Cobby Bryant is to LA Lakers and Tiger Wood is to Golf; its just matter of time before the world actually sees it.
When someone asked Bolt when did you realize you are the world record holder in 100 and 200 meters; he said “15 years ago”. The visionaries see the future and do so long before the magazine managers who read about it in headlines to form opinions. Umar Gul saw his talent long before the PCB, the fans or the world come to know and this is just a start.
The word “Khan” is the correlation factor between 1992 and tomorrow. In 1992 Imran Khan lead his team to the highest title of cricket and tomorrow another Khan is hoping for the same. in 1992 there was a young guy name Inzamam-ul-Haq and tomorrow there is young lad name Mohammad Aamer. It has taken 17 years for Pakistan to be standing one win away from the highest title in 20/20 cricket.
Pakistan has defied all odds, imagine what they can do if; PCB runs more efficient, more science and math is used for training and planning game plans, Imagine if the players were treated with some respect before, during and after their departures from the national scene; Just Imagine what Pakistan Cricket would be if all stakeholders had the best interest of Pakistan at heart.
Tomorrow the country will stand still, Pakistanis around the world will be stuck to their TV screens; when the 11 men in green step on the field; they will be carrying the hopes and dreams of 160 million people in Pakistan and millions of fans around the world. they are expected to perform and perform they will.
Tags: 2020, Champions, Cricket, Pakistan