Anyone who thinks cricket is just a sport in Pakistan clearly doesn’t understand Pakistan. No, cricket is much more than that because cricket is that one thing that can you unite everyone in Pakistan. This year’s Pakistan Super League has been a tournament that illustrated just that. From engaging the whole country and making everyone get into some friendly banter with each other over their favorite teams to serving as an outlet for the people during some very trying times, the PSL has been a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
The final is fast approaching, in Lahore, so here’s a look back at all the moments that have made PSL more than just about cricket, for Pakistanis.
1. That time when the PSL started with a tribute to Junaid Jamshed
It is fitting that a tribute be paid to the man who gave Pakistan our unofficial anthem.
Dil dil Pakistan at PSL was the most emotional part of the entire opening ceremony. JJ, forever in our hearts. ? #PSL2017
— PakistanSuperLeague (@iSupportPSL17) February 9, 2017
The crowd belting out Dil Dil Pakistan was the most moving thing I've experienced since the national anthem in the ZIM series
— Ahmer Naqvi (@karachikhatmal) February 9, 2017
2. Then the foreign players of Islamabad United displayed their “Pakistani-ness” in shalwar kameez
Thoughts on @sambillings attire? Great opening ceremony last night #HatesACamera pic.twitter.com/0kSyVjE8Nn
— Ben Duckett (@BenDuckett1) February 10, 2017
3. Amidst all this, Fawad Rana of Lahore Qalandars kept everyone thoroughly entertained off the ground
"Mere memes bana'na band kerdo ab" pic.twitter.com/UkRTpo7uhB
— Shumail (@Shumyl) February 25, 2017
4. And keeping in line with that, he and his team released a very interesting message for other teams in PSL
Hamaray Kaptaan ki class check karo. pic.twitter.com/OusXn8TtOZ
— Abdullah (@iMangoPakistani) February 12, 2017
5. People were terribly disappointed with Chris Gayle for pulling a Shahid Afridi during the whole PSL
Chris Gayle this whole PSL pic.twitter.com/1wUFT4RANf
— Asam (@Asam__A) March 3, 2017
6. There was this moment as well
FAVOURITE MOMENT OF PSL pic.twitter.com/DANL0auoN4
— Ahmer Naqvi (@karachikhatmal) March 1, 2017
7. Oh, and Lahore Qalandars made 59 a popular number
We came, we gave you guys fawad rana reactions, umar akmal ky dramay, kukri and yasir khan 4-6, lowest total 59 . We are Lahore Qalandars.
— UD (@Keyb0ardMujahid) February 26, 2017
59 kehnay walon ke sath aj Lahore Qalandars ne 69 kr diya????????
— Kabeer Qalandar (@O_Kabeeera) February 16, 2017
Lahore fans shouldn't lose hope. Thora mushkil zaroor hai lekin abhi bhi agar Qalandars koshish kary tou 59 se zyada score kar sakty hain.
— Rizwan Saeed (@iRizwanSaeed) February 20, 2017
8. Then they showed everyone what a kahani mein twist looks like by winning a match and topping the points table
GRANT LEGEND ELLIOT ???#lahoreqalandars #HBLPSL pic.twitter.com/RRGdfVbqpK
— MangoBaaz (@mangobaaz) February 20, 2017
9. And Wahab Riaz who plays for Peshawar Zalmi was betrayed by his wife who ended up tweeting in support of her home city
What a nail bitting end!Congratulations @lahoreqalandars now #HBLPSL is wide open for the teams to grab opportunity for the finals! ??
— Zaynab wahab (@ZaynabWahabviki) February 20, 2017
10. Soon after, the Qalandars suffered a drop out of the tournament thanks to Karachi Kings winning their match
Delete your team @lahoreqalandars #HBLPSL #PSL2017 ? pic.twitter.com/zH2CaUMjFi
— Kaleem (@KaleemMughal123) February 27, 2017
11. This girl from Peshawar got a lot of attention
You vs the girl he told you not worry about etc.. pic.twitter.com/gXsK9JndFl
— Hassan (@iamhassan9) February 25, 2017
12. And Ahmed Shehzad’s teammates showed how they like to pull this guy’s leg, too
When they see Ahmed Shehzad talking as if he is bradman. pic.twitter.com/xXH476GISd
— Hassan Cheema (@Gotoxytop) February 23, 2017
13. And when the final was announced to be happening in Lahore, some famous celebrities announced their attendance
Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi confirmed they will watch PSL final in Lahore. ?#Sher
اک واڑی فیڑ شیڑ@HarounRashid2 @karachikhatmal pic.twitter.com/6a2yOOosP1— Inayat Khan (@InayatKhan1) March 1, 2017
14. This fan was too eager for a selfie that he ran on to the ground DURING THE MATCH
Fan runs on the pitch before the last ball so Darren Sammy takes a selfie with him #PSL2017 #KKvPZ pic.twitter.com/c8v0PvIT0c
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) March 3, 2017
15. After disappointing fans for most of the tournament, Shahid Afridi gave in his all during the semi final, ending up with 12 stitches
Shahid Afridi has 12 stiches in hand while trying to take the catch of Polard,out of PSL final. pic.twitter.com/4chWv1Fjru
— Mirza Iqbal Baig (@mirzaiqbal80) March 3, 2017
16. This guys lost a bet to Careem and had to donate his hair for a good cause
Hey @CareemPAK want to place a bet?
If Karachi Kings loses today, I'll cut my hair & donate to @hairtohelppkIf KK wins, I get 15K credits pic.twitter.com/5OvKbA2aB4
— عادل (@aurAdil) March 1, 2017
Before and after losing a bet. pic.twitter.com/5SxWf30km3
— Ahsan Saeed (@aey) March 3, 2017
17. The players did not shy away from displaying their emotions
It means a lot for Pakistani players to get the chance to play in front of their own fans #PSL2017 #KKvPZ pic.twitter.com/PAhVB9Ij43
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) March 3, 2017
18. Despite everything, what mattered most during the PSL was that the whole country was having fun
Moment of the Day ! SHARJAH Crowd Sing Dil Dil Pakistan !! #KKvIU #PSL pic.twitter.com/7lBUtC5NBQ
— Cricket Pakistan (@PCB_INFO) March 1, 2017
19. When Careem stepped up to help Lahoris reclaim their city with their Bahar Niklo campaign and remind everyone that Pakistanis are a rare breed that don’t scare easily.
Here’s to a great final match in Lahore.
Cover image via: espncricinfo.com
Use the promo code PSL and drive to/from the PSL finale or anywhere in Lahore for aflat PKR 250. Also just as an fyi, Careem’s Pick & Drop point for the PSL final will be Barkat Market, Garden Town.
This post has been sponsored by Careem.