Cricket in Pakistan

British endowed sub-continent with new facades, andtreated like royalty. Public, politicians, media etc all
more than six decades later Cricket has proved tobestow there affection and attention at them. A
be enduring and eminent trait of this region today.national player can earn well over millions with
Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, all wereendorsements only!
once part of British India and "The Gentleman'sIt is a fact that such discretion could not have come
Game" found an unprecedented fan following andwithout Pakistan cricket team's superlative
power source from these countries.performance. Since there historical win against
From Pakistan's viewpoint, Cricket is the mostEngland in 1954, Team Pakistan has well evolved into
famous, well supported and followed game fora competitive outfit.o Champions in 1992 ODI World
people from all age and genders regardless ofCupo Champions in 2009 Twenty20 World Cupo
location, creed and language. Probably due to thisSemi-Finalists in 2009 Champions Trophyo Champions
aficionado level, cricket here has an excellent history,in 2000 Asia Cupo Champions in ALL Australasia
well-established administration structure andCupso Champions in 1998 Asian Test Championship
world-class support facilities.Furthermore, Players themselves hold several world
Initially, Cricket was just an elite's sport. Landlordsrecords as well.o Hanif Muhammad has the honour of
would gather to play an exhibition match as a hobby.being the first Asian cricketer to score a triple
It was natural that players belonging to such classcentury in 1958.o Saeed Anwar has the highest
would represent Pakistan in its debut Test matchindividual ODI score of 194 runs (Against India in
against India in 1952. For several ensuing decades,1997).o Sarfaraz Nawaz invented Reverse Swing.o
Cricket remained a rich man's sport until playersShoaib Akhtar holds the distinction of being the
belonging to lower class families begin to participatefastest bowler in history (100.2mph/161.2kph in 2004).
at international level. In addition to, a new One-DayAbove all are concrete proofs of Pakistan's
cricket format proved to be very successfulachievements.
internationally. Staging of ODI (One-Day International)Pakistan's Women cricket team is also active on the
World Cup in 1988 in sub-continent sparked aninternational scene since 1997.
interest in this game that continues today.Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) oversees the cricket
Subsequent years saw an increase in publicmatches and administration through out the country.
fascination as Pakistan performed exceptionally in allIt is a member of ICC.
aspects of the game.Cricket in Pakistan is not merely a game. It is means
The fame, money and glamour attracted youngstersof entertainment, earnings, diplomacy, and supremacy
who in essence became a nursery of stars for theon archrivals and above all a source of pride and
country. It is not uncommon for cricket players to behonour for the country.