THE victory in the T20 World Cup against India brought joy and smiles to the faces in these testing times when we have been facing a myriad of chronic issues for the last few years and even beyond.

The Pakistani flag could be seen everywhere and there were jubilations across the country soon after we won the game in Dubai against the arch-rivals, which also was the first against India in any World Cup.

We can never forget this well-deserved victory, courage and the strong determination of the Pakistan cricket team, which not only united 70 languages, six major ethnic groups and minorities, 40 castes, five social classes, 120 registered political parties, and nine million overseas Pakistanis.

Above all, it brought us closer and together on one narrative – Pakistan Zindabad! It truly communicated our national integration, cohesion and unity to the world, including India. But, sadly, the whole show lasted around four hours.

It is the power of cricket that reflects unity despite diversity in Pakistan. Can’t we continue showing this unity on a permanent basis? Do we have to wait for another cricket win against India to behave and feel like one nation?

Can’t we be united forever? What role can we play as individuals? How can Pakistan make cricket a part of its diplomacy? How can we utilise the power of cricket in forging an integrated Pakistani nation? Questions galore.

Aziza
Peshawar

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2021