MINGORA: The Grassy Ground in Mingora, which currently hosts a Ramazan nigh cricket tournament, has become a favourite spot for the people of the surrounding areas to socialise and enjoy cricket after the daylong fasting.

Under floodlights, T20 matches are played between night and Sahar (daybreak) attracting large crowds of cricket enthusiasts, mostly youths.

“We not only watch cricket matches but also chat with friends until Sahar. It is really the best place to have fun,” said Zahoor Khan of Saidu Sharif while watching a march at the ground with friends.

A group of cheerful youngsters were seen running from one side of the ground to another as if they’re unaware of the match and those keenly watching it.

“We live in Amankot, a village close to the ground, and come here every night. We love the artificial illumination of the place by floodlights. Sometimes, we play the traditional sport of hide-and-seek and sometimes, we play football outside the cricket ground,” a boy said.

Apart from young men, the ground is also an attraction for the elderly people, who show up after performing Tarweeh prayer.

“I know nothing about the sport of cricket but the way ground is illuminated, I come here regularly to see friends to pass the time,” said elderly Abdul Shakoor, who sat in one corner of the ground waiting for his other friends to come.

Benefiting from the chance to make quick bucks, street vendors go to the ground to sell snacks.

“I sell drinks from night to Sahar. People come in large numbers and watch cricket enjoying drinks. I am happy with the holding of night tournament on the ground as it helps me fetch fast bucks,” said vendor Shakoor Khan.

Young cricketers also enjoy and have fun in the night tournament.

“We love watching international night matches on television and now we too have the chance to play cricket under lights. Participation in night marches is fun,” said cricketer Akhtar Ali.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2015

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