Pakistan IS a cricketing nation. In fact, Cricket is one of the main uniting factors in the country. There were many visible signs of the game – from boys playing in the street to credit card endorsements and television programmes fronted by former players (Rameez Raja).
Cricket was a very safe topic of conversation with just about everyone there and I received several comments on the then current Ashes series between Australia and England.
Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to have a game whilst I was there.
The Ashes could be viewed in Pakistan via the Indian ESPN television channel. I only saw 10 or 15 minutes of coverage, although that was 10 or 15 minutes more than the total shown in Turkey.
In the Lahore park across the road there are several games of cricket going on at the same time. I don’t think the eagle is taking any notice, though.
Following is one of my favourite set of photos:
Another random game of street cricket in Lahore
He and 3 of his mates are playing cricket…
…next to the huge and ancient Badshahi Mosque. What a cool place to have a hit! Is it 6 and out when the ball goes over the wall? Could they even hit it over?
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