Lahore, Lahori aur Chacha Cricket…

They came, they saw and then they will soon leave again. Although the One-day internationals (ODIs) haven’t started yet, Pakistanis have certainly made an impression at the Last Test in Lahore.

The England supporters’ contingent numbered only about some hundreds on this trip, but what they lacked in numbers they made up for in enthusiasm and noise. They brought to Pakistan their English flags, songs, facepaints and a whole new attitude to watching cricket. As the match progressed they added beagle (baja), drums, guitars and flute-like instruments and an assorted array of headgear. The display of the infamous two cartoon characters (Sylvester and Tweety?) amused everyone.

As always, the Lahori crowds were led by Sufi Jamil Ahmed aka 'chacha cricket' (Uncle Cricket), their green-clad flag bearer who, bizarrely, lives in Sharjah. He follows the Pakistan team all over the world and made frequent appearances began with the World Cup in 1999.



He is very popular with cricket fans, leading them in their chants for victory. He is also quite the TV star, as he used to feature in (a few) Pepsi's commercials in Pakistan. I don’t know what happened later on, as PEPSI now have Reema in place. Huq ha, who will care (kon janay, kon samjhay) about my chacha cricket when her khuli zulfain are there. :). Tsk tsk tsk.


(see the typical cheering natives trying to move into the frame whenever they see a cam taking some pictures!) *giggle*

There was a great atmosphere between the two sets of fans throughout the test match. There was a lovely moment on the final day when everyone virtually knew that Pakistanis victory is inevitable, the Pakistan fans began to chant "Engerland, Engerland, Engerland." The English fans, in response, tried the Pakistani chant of "jivay, jivay, Pakistan" (live forever, Pakistan), much to the amusement of the crowd. The sound of Ra ra, Ri ri, Roo roo, Ra, hoo ha hoo ha, would remain in everyone’s ears for quite some time.

There is a display of matches on teeni weeni TV sets common throughout the city especially in small khookha’s (kiosk) and small restaurants. Everyone stops by especially to see the climax, the final and most complex moments of the match. Life practically stands still till we hear a big roar, jeet gaya!!! Or if Pakis Loose, Hamain pata tha, paisay lagay howay thay. :) hehe.

Lahoris, be ready for one day matches. When there’s cricket, no one can beat Lahorites in Josh and Walwala. -- Omer Pervaiz (Opee Dec 06, 2005 5:34am)