Cricket fans in Pakistan have finally got a reason to rejoice. The most popular sport in Pakistan is coming back to the soil after six long years with a one-day and T20 series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe starting May 22nd.
Zimbabwe is set to become the first Test-playing team to tour Pakistan in six years and revive international cricket here with three one-day matches and two T20s to be played at Lahore’s historic Qaddafi Stadium.
That’s not all. Fans will also have an opportunity to enjoy live music performances during the series between May 22nd and 31st. The Pakistan Cricket Board has roped in singing sensation and now a Bollywood heartthrob Ali Zafar to entertain the crowd during the opening ceremony of the series on May 22nd that will be followed by the first T20 match. Moreover, ‘princess’ Annie will be performing on 24th, while veteran singer Shehzad Roy will take to the stage at the closing ceremony on May 31st.
Due to hectic and commendable efforts of the PCB, international cricket seems to have returned to Pakistani soil. It all started with the successful tour of the Kenyan cricket team in December 2014 when they played against Pakistan’s A-team, serving as a stepping stone for the return of international cricket to Pakistan. The board has worked tirelessly to convince international cricket teams to play in Pakistan that will not only help revive the game here, but also improve the country’s image on a global level.
This combination of music and cricket – both enjoyed immensely by the people of Pakistan – is definitely going to help the country in more ways than one, as well as give fans a platform to once again witness and enjoy live performances and cricket – both of which had disappeared in recent times — in their home country.
