Kolkata gives to Babar Azam and Co. what PCB and noted ex-Pakistan cricketers couldn't
Babar Azam and Pakistan were fan favourites in Kolkata during their World Cup match against Bangladesh.
"Babar Azam kokhon bat korbe (When will Babar Azam come to bat)?" was the theme at the Eden Gardens even when Fakhar Zaman was clattering sixes. It didn't matter if the opener was back scoring runs, or that Pakistan were finally about to break their World Cup 2023 hoodoo of four consecutive defeats. It didn't matter if India weren't playing, or that there was equal support for Bangladesh. Kolkata had warmed up to Pakistan, a feeling the Men in Green have longed for amid their gloomy World Cup campaign and the tumultuous situation unfolding within the PCB back home.
The DJ was playing 'Dil Dil Pakistan' with full gusto, chants of 'Pakistan jeetega' reverberated throughout the stadium and every time Babar popped up on the big screen, the fans erupted with joy. Even those wearing India jerseys showed their backing for Pakistan. After the match, as a smile finally returned to Babar's face, the deafening reaction from the crowd resembled the warm embrace he would receive in cities like Karachi or Lahore. Eden Gardens was buzzing with over 35,000 fans even before the sun had set. People had flocked in from nearby areas such as Khidirpur, Park Circus, Mominpur, and Metiaburuz to show their support for the Pakistan team.
With a clash between two of India's neighbouring countries days after Pujo had winded up in the city up for grabs, despite Kolkata and its people's links with Bangladesh, Pakistan were the clear fan favourites. The decibel levels kept going a notch higher when Shaheen took Mahmudullah's wicket to grab his third, when Fakhar and Abdullah Shafique reached their respective fifties, when Babar strode out to the crease, and, ultimately, when the winning runs were scored. The mind harked back to the 2016 World T20 when, in another match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, a strikingly similar scene had played out.
"We have been supporting the Pakistan team for a very long time. We know that when the Pakistan team goes down it goes up with the same speed. From now on I'm hoping they will win the rest of two other games and they'll qualify for the top four," a local fan told ANI after Pakistan's 7-wicket win over Bangladesh.
Upon the team's arrival in Kolkata three days ago, Pakistan were welcomed by a sea of people at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Chants of "Haris" and "Shaheen" filled the air as the players made their way through the crowd. However, all of that faded in comparison to the thunderous roar saved for Babar – it rivalled the cheers that one of their own, Sourav Ganguly, would receive upon his return to the city during his playing days. Babar and his teammates were inundated with selfie requests after their practice sessions leading up to the contest and the players' reactions clearly reflected their enjoyment and enthusiasm towards this unique experience.
It is this very shared affection that possibly helped them unwind. The players decided to forego dinner at the team hotel and opted for a taste of Kolkata's renowned biryani instead. On a Sunday evening, the Pakistan cricket team placed their order through Zomato, the online food delivery platform. Pakistan's dietary customs have faced heavy criticism from their own, including a notable figure like Wasim Akram delivering some of the harshest verdicts. Adding to the disappointment is the recent revelation by former captain Rashid Latif, who publicly disclosed information about players going unpaid and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seemingly ghosting Babar.
These developments can be demoralising for even for the most resilient individuals. Yet, this isn't the first instance of former players expressing their frustrations – similar incidents occurred during the 2019 World Cup and in almost every tournament or series where Pakistan fell short of expectations. Undoubtedly, this team has encountered difficulties, but the barrage of disparaging comments, questioning their commitment and attitude, seems unbecoming of those who have once worn the same shoes.
The whole saga revolving around Babar's leaked chat, the events that precipitated it, Inzamam-ul-Haq's resignation as the chief selector amidst the ongoing investigation and the unfortunate losing streak is the last thing Pakistan, whose semifinal hopes have been dashed, needed. Amid all the uproar, mockery, and internal turmoil within the board, Babar and his team sought refuge in Kolkata's hospitality.
Eden Gardens has a rich history with Pakistan, with many memorable matches being played on this hallowed turf. From a young Shoaib Akhtar delivering thunderbolts to dismiss Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar in the 1999 Asian Championship Test match to infamous controversies like Tendulkar's run-out which sparked a riot, the venue has seen it all. If Hyderabad was Pakistan's home ground in this World Cup, Kolkata proved to be their home away from home.
"A big thank you to the crowd for cheering for us," said a visibly delighted Babar, expressing his gratitude to the Kolkata faithful, secretly hoping that his own people shared the same sentiments.
