The world knows the love Pakistanis have for cricket, the nation practically lives for it. No matter where you’re from or what you do, if there’s one thing that’s common between all of us, it’s our love for the sport that brings the nation together. It’s the very essence of being a Pakistani. Cricket isn’t just a sport, it’s an heirloom passed down from Pakistani to Pakistani – regardless of gender, age, race or region.

Therefore, it isn’t a surprise to say that for us, the sport has evolved alongside the nation. We’ve seen the highs together, and the lows, and have stuck through it all. Cricket has been just as resilient as all of us, and that’s what makes it all the more beautiful.

Whether you’re from the land of the mountains or you bask in the glory of our beautiful coast, the feeling is all the same when you’re glued to the TV, thinking about whether Babar or Fakhar will hit a six or will head back to the pavilion.

The anxiousness, the excitement, and that sudden rush of adrenaline when the ball finally crosses the boundary – you feel that in your veins, because that’s the true essence of being a Pakistani at that moment. 

To have almost 20 million people experience the same feelings simultaneously is nothing short of a miracle.

So what if we don’t understand Sindhi, or Balochi, or Pushto or Seraiki – we all do understand the umpire when he signals for that chakka or the chowka and for once, we all agree.

We learned how to appreciate the sport more in its absence, celebrating its comeback with unparalleled jazba. 

Our resilience helped us bring it back, and it’s been nothing but a celebration since then.

Your age, your race, your gender, the class you belong to doesn’t even remain a question when you have cricket playing out on the screen.

That’s perfect harmony, and that’s the kind of world we should love to live in. That’s the kind of world we see when everyone decides to let go of their differences and sit together to cheer for the boys in green at your mohallay ki screening. From the chai waala, to the guard uncle, and the boy with the British accent – it doesn’t even matter who you are as long as you all should, “Pakistan Zindabad,” on the top of your voice, all in unison.

We love cricket because it captures the essence of Pakistan – we love cricket because we love Pakistan. It’s in our blood – the rush, the adrenaline, the duas, the hand-holding as a decision is pending – it’s what unites us all, and, in many ways, defines us.

So let’s all aim for the sixes. Maardo chhakka, Pakistan! Rooting for you time and time again this ICC World Cup season kyunke #sooperhaipoorapakistan.

This post has been sponsored by Peek Freans Sooper.