Cricket season is back, and the joy around it for every Pakistani is unimaginable.

But, what has changed in the recent years that has reignited our spirit for the game? Cricket coming home. Our favourite sport being played in Pakistan after an exodus of almost a decade has been a reminder of what buzzing stadiums truly mean to us.

What also happened last year, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, emptied our stands and sent the audiences home in a lockdown that initially felt like it had no end.

But with the start of the new year of 2021, we're all pumped to yet again welcome some of our very own heroes back into the battleground; Babar Azam, a legend in the making, Shaheen Shah Afridi, a true protégé of the left arm fast bowling and countless others.

Pakistan brims with talent, but to identify and infuse it within the team has been the contributing factor for most of our wins.

Behind identifying this talent is the will and dedication of several stakeholders. One of them is KFC, which has a lineage of endorsing cricket globally.

From the Big Bash League in Australia, to sponsoring home matches in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, KFC has countless contributions towards this glorious game.

Over the years, KFC Pakistan has made a big impact on regional to international cricket; the biggest highlight has been their sponsoring of Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League, where they successfully identified and established careers of several players.

Muhammad Nawaz, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and so many others who have made significant national and international contributions are worthy members who have come out of the Quetta Gladiators team.

As for domestic tournaments, their affiliation with Southern Punjab has brought flair, entertainment and a new influx of players in the National T20 Cup and the National One Day Cup.

KFC has also contributed to other tournaments such as the Karachi Premier League. But how has their contribution made us identify players like Nawaz, Azam Khan, Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Aamer Yamin and so many others? Through sponsorships, these matches are broadcasted on television, where selectors find such players and identify their craft.

Fans’ voices for such players on social media also have a role to play. The impact leads to these players being recognised both nationally and internationally, shaping their careers further.

Safe to say, KFC not only produces great chicken, they’re contributing towards producing great players as well.

We honour their efforts for enhancing the game, and contributing to Pakistan’s cricketing spirit!

This content is a paid advertisement by KFC Pakistan and is not associated with or necessarily reflective of the views of Dawn.com or its editorial staff.