FOR years, Pakistani cricket fans have endured an emotional rollercoaster, experiencing fleeting highs and frequent, crushing lows. Instead of being a source of national pride, the national team often leaves supporters gutted due to chronic mismanagement, questionable selection policies, and a blatant disregard for merit.

Favouritism and nepotism plague team selection, with undeserving players being parachuted into the squad while promising talents are ignored. The on-field performances are devoid of intent, skill and game awareness, leaving the fans wondering if winning is even a priority for those sporting the national colours.

The repeated failures on the biggest of stages have left the fans disillusioned.

No doubt, supporting Pakistan cricket is an expensive hobby, and the return on investment is abysmal. Fans spend their hard-earned money on team jerseys, match tickets, and streaming subscriptions only to watch the team collapse in hum-iliating fashion time and time again. Regardless of the occasion, Pakistan finds a way to lose, leaving the fans feeling cheated.

For the fans who attend matches in person, the frustration is even greater. Travelling long distances, taking time off work or school, and paying exorbitant ticket prices just to witness yet another embarrassing defeat takes a toll on mental wellbeing. Fans are not just losing money; they are losing faith.

Many fans find themselves emotionally wrecked after the team fails to perform. The disappointment lingers, affecting personal and professional relationships. Arguments break out among friends and family, tempers flare, and for what? A team that barely seems to care!

The frustration carries over into daily life. Unable to sleep after a humiliating defeat, fans reflect on each loss long into the night. Those who stay up late lamenting the team’s dismal show often show up to work exhausted the next day, and are unable to focus on their tasks.

Work productivity plummets, and deadlines are missed. Students find it hard to concentrate on their studies. Instead of focussing on exams or assig-nments, they find themselves replaying the team’s mistakes in their minds, unable to shake off the disappointment. This ultimately puts their academic success and future prospects in jeopardy.

But beyond the psychological impact, the burden of supporting Pakistan cricket can also lead to serious health issues. The constant disappointment, anger and anxiety contribute to elevated stress levels, which has serious consequences.

Studies have shown that emotional distress — especially from sports-related frustration — can weaken the immune system, making fans more susceptible to illnesses.

What should be a source of enterta-inment instead becomes a trigger for chronic health problems, turning a mere game into a legitimate medical concern. If only our so-called ‘superstars’ could truly grasp the emotional and physical toll their performances inflict on the fans.

At the end of the day, the question must be asked; why invest time, money and energy into something that gives nothing in return? It is a bitter fact that the national cricket team may never change, but the people can.

Instead of supporting a group of over-hyped individuals who are incapable and unworthy of delivering, it is time to shift our focus towards more meaningful pursuits — health and wellbeing, education, career development, community building as well as national progress. Let us do that.

Fahad Parvez
Toronto, Canada

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2025