Someone wise once deemed cricket as the largest religion in the sub-continent and boy, could they have been more spot on. There is absolutely nothing else that compares to the fandom, the anticipation and the connection Pakistanis feel with cricket. The sport quite frankly somehow even directly serves as a litmus test to show how truly patriotic you are. Having said that, it’s almost natural that everyone was looking forward to the Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi PSL final contest at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With the arrangements being made in the nick of time, barring the recent turn of events, we must laud the utter fearlessness fans displayed.
We’ve all seen beautiful images of Qaddafi Stadium:
This is going to be the event of the year ❤?#PslFinalLahore #CricketComesHome #QaddafiStadium pic.twitter.com/zML1lLf5TA
— MangoBaaz (@mangobaaz) March 5, 2017
And the fans that gathered to spread the messages of hope and peace:
Pakistan wins today ❤??❤#PslFinalLahore #CricketComesHome #QaddafiStadium pic.twitter.com/ndVQIcMimd
— MangoBaaz (@mangobaaz) March 5, 2017
Let us now go through some sights and sounds all across Pakistan:
Akbar Bugti Stadium in Quetta packed to the brim for their second final in a row was a sight for sore eyes.
Cricket enthusiasts rushed to the stadium to support the budding local talent and the underdogs of the series.
One can almost feel the energy:
Bugti Stadium right now,lovely to see fans come out to see the screening of #PSL cricket match. Love you Balochistan pic.twitter.com/43jzcrUnRE
— Amer Khan (@KhanAmerKhan) February 23, 2016
Hayatabad Sports Complex in Peshawar attracted hoards of cricket fanatics, ready to dance bust into attan with every boundary.
The sheer numbers bear witness to the magnetism the sport has amongst locals.
And of course, what went on after Peshawar Zalmi’s incredible win.
Oagtyyy at Sport Complex Peshawar. pic.twitter.com/WLwU0kWhrk
— Farhan (@MianFarhanRaza) March 5, 2017
There were privates screenings all over the country.
Enjoying live SCREENING PSL FINAL with @mrazaharoon at @Acpkhi @PeshawarZalmi vs @TeamQuetta #CricketComesHome #PakistanZindabad #QGVsPZ pic.twitter.com/36N0Lll3hL
— Ahmed Shah (@AHMEDSHAHACP) March 5, 2017
Ranging from outdoor spaces in Karachi:
#PSL final screening at #BOTS Karachi right now pic.twitter.com/ZXUURWHZrM
— Shahbaz Zahid (@shahbazzahid) March 5, 2017
To restaurants in Hyderabad:
To colleges and hostels that wanted to make the experience all the more enjoyable for students who weren’t able to make it to the final:
Live screening of PSL in College..?? pic.twitter.com/JGPomLrMEO
— Rabia Virk (@RabiaNVirk) February 9, 2017
PSL screening in hostel and FREE FOOD OMG. :v#NCALahore #Hostel pic.twitter.com/QcnudlsLgV
— Elina Şevket (@ElinaShaukat) March 5, 2017
And then, there were students abroad who got together in fives and tens and fifteens and hundreds to support their local favorites.
Kyunkay asal maza tou apnon mein hee aata hai.
Pakistani students at the university of london watch #PslFinalLahore #CricketComesHome #PZvQG pic.twitter.com/1f9wWonZE7
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaGeoNews) March 5, 2017
So high was the anticipation, that some resorted to watching it in their cars.
Screening PSL. pic.twitter.com/HJzTMWn4Xz
— Saad Iqbal. (@Its_Eqbal) February 13, 2016
At the end of the day, what a win it was indeed.
Made the weeks and weeks of scouring your cellphones for match updates, the drama, the buzz and the excitement all the more worthwhile.
Thank you, PSL. Until next time.
Cover image via: Dawn