Despite many setbacks, 2021 turned out to be a smashing year for Pakistan cricket. The ICC (International Cricket Council) awards were recently announced, and it came with good news for Pakistan fans. Captain Babar Azam won the ICC Men’s ODI cricketer of the year, the ICC Men’s T20 cricketer of the year went to Mohammad Rizwan, and for the ICC emerging women’s cricketer of the year category, it was the young and talented Fatima Sana who took the award home writes Faith Gillani.
September last year, New Zealand’s cricket team abandoned its tour of Pakistan without a single ball bowled, citing security concerns. Just a few days later, England cancelled its tour of the men’s and women’s team, stating the “mental and physical well-being of its players as the reason behind it.
The PCB (Pakistan Cricket board) was furious, and fans were left disappointed and dejected. But the major concern were the implications of these cancellations, with fears of a domino effect that would once again deprive a cricket crazy nation of international matches on home soil. The PCB over the years has worked tirelessly in bringing cricket back to Pakistan, and the dreaded feeling that this would undo all the hard work was setting in.
But as they say, God works in mysterious ways, and despite these setbacks, 2021 turned out to be a smashing year for Pakistan cricket. The ICC (International Cricket Council) awards were recently announced, and it came with good news for Pakistan fans.
Captain Babar Azam won the ICC Men’s ODI cricketer of the year, the ICC Men’s T20 cricketer of the year went to Mohammad Rizwan, and for the ICC emerging women’s cricketer of the year category, it was the young and talented Fatima Sana who took the award home.
Culturally in Pakistan, women’s cricket has never been followed in the same way as the men’s side. But Fatima Sana’s win means a lot for female cricket and this recognition of her talent should also be celebrated. Hopefully her award can help inspire other young girls wanting to break the barriers and represent Pakistan at a national level.
Ramiz Raja already announced that the board is working on a women’s T20 league in Pakistan, and one hopes to see this materialise. There is still so much work to be done for women’s cricket within Pakistan, and young girls deserve the chance to showcase their talent and play for their country.
As for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC player of the year, Shaheen Shah Afridi was bestowed with the honour. Shaheen is the first Pakistani to win this award, a matter of great pride not just for his supporters, but for Pakistan as a nation.
The current team has abundance of talent, the ability to excel further and become legends of the game. And for all these players to be awarded by the ICC is a great sign for Pakistan cricket, hopefully signalling good times ahead.
In a recorded acceptance speech, Shaheen highlighted his performance against India at the T20 world cup as his most memorable performance of 2021. Pakistan’s empathic win over arch-rivals was truly sensational. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan took the team to victory with an unbroken opening partnership, leaving everyone in complete awe of their clinical performance.
Pakistan then went on to beat New Zealand, Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland, before being beaten by Australia in the semi-final. But most fans were left feeling satisfied with the team’s performance. It is rare for Pakistan to qualify so smoothly, without having to worry about the run rate, or rely on other results.
And it was a dream run for Babar and his men, and the fans enjoyed every moment of it. There was a real sense of immense pride over the team’s conduct both on and off the field. Players mingling and sharing light-hearted moments with other players after the Namibia and Scotland matches were appreciated not just by Pakistani fans, but by true fans of the game.
Babar’s team also received praise for playing a positive role in promoting a soft image of Pakistan on an international stage. All the players have been great ambassadors not just for the game, but also for the country. And all questions prior to the World T20 about the impact of New Zealand and England’s cancellations were laid to rest. The team channelled all their energy the right way, onto the field. Every player that took the field played with professionalism and dedication, doing a spectacular job in representing their country.
Some people will highlight the efforts of team management, and others will give Chairman Ramiz Raja a pat on the back. But credit must go to the players for playing as a team and gelling so well as a unit. One can tell how all the players are ready to support each other and express happiness at the success of other teammates. Politics and groupism are no strangers to Pakistan Cricket, but it is heartening to see the current lot promote harmony and good vibes within the dressing room.
Pakistan’s captain also deserves a special mention. It has been quite a remarkable journey for Babar Azam so far, working hard to get to the position he is at today. Questions were asked of him early on and there were times when critics were doubtful. But kudos to former coach Mickey Arthur, who recognised Babar as a special talent and persisted with him. To lead his team to the semi-finals in his first ever ICC event is also highly commendable.
If things go according to plan, Australia will be touring Pakistan in March. The last time Australia toured Pakistan was way back in 1998. According to sources, minor details are currently being discussed before the final sign off between the boards. But the tour appears to be on track and no Australian player has yet indicated to the board that they will be unwilling to tour, which is a positive.
In an on-field interview during the 4th test of the Ashes, Pakistani born Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja spoke of the upcoming tour to Pakistan, hoping to go back there after enjoying his time at the PSL, and also mentioning how he told fellow teammates that they could “inspire a generation of cricketers who have never seen you play.”
For young fans of the game who have only seen Australia play on their tv sets, to actually watch them live in front of their very eyes would be a memorable experience. One can only keep fingers crossed that the tour goes ahead and proves to be a success. There is no doubt that the PCB will go all out in ensuring that the Australians have a pleasant stay.
Everyone involved in Pakistan need to remain alert and aware of those internal and external forces that do not wish to see cricket flourish within the country. No one can afford to sleep on the job, and must remain on their toes. Security forces, however, have done well in maintaining full proof security for all teams that have visited Pakistan so far and the Australian tour will be no different. Lessons have been learnt since the attack on the Sri Lankan bus back in 2009 that pushed Pakistan cricket into exile. Hopefully those dark days are behind, and Pakistan can look forward to good, competitive cricket with top, quality sides.
The team showed great spirit and character in 2021. Here’s hoping the Green Shirts carry forward their good form and success into 2022. In times of uncertainty and hardships, they have given memorable moments and reasons to smile for fans not just within Pakistan, but all those hard-core supporters in all corners of the globe.
The writer has studied History and Politics at Queen Mary, University of London. And Near and Middle East Studies at SOAS, University of London.
