Is it time for British Pakistanis to support England over Pakistan in cricket?

[NeVerMind]

For decades, British Pakistanis have passionately supported Pakistan’s cricket team, often placing nostalgia and emotional ties above reason. I have been one of them, backing Pakistan cricket with all my heart since the late 1980s. But after yet another humiliating loss to India—without a fight—while persisting with the same failed players, I have finally reached my breaking point. This was the final straw that broke the camel’s back.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains in a constant state of turmoil, plagued by corruption, nepotism, and instability. Coaches and captains change like the weather, and meritocracy is often sacrificed for personal interests. There is no long-term planning, no accountability, and no vision for the future.

Meanwhile, England’s cricket setup is thriving, with more British Pakistanis playing for the national team than ever before. The likes of Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, and Saqib Mahmood are proof that talent, hard work, and commitment can lead to a place in a world-class system. Unlike the 1980s, when the so-called "Norman Tebbit test" questioned our loyalties, today’s multicultural England embraces diversity, and British Pakistani cricketers are an integral part of the national team.

If my children were ever fortunate enough to play at the highest level, I wouldn’t even consider exposing them to the chaos of Pakistan’s cricketing system. Why would I, when England offers them a structured, merit-based pathway to success? Passion for cricket should not mean blind loyalty. Maybe it’s time we accepted that supporting England is not a betrayal—it’s simply common sense.

 

[Rana]

It’s been the case for a long time

My son isn’t growing up in a world where Pakistan cricket team is a magical team like Manchester United or Arsenal for most British Asian fans.

England cricket is what we will follow and support. At least you know they will use their resources to improve if they are not doing well!

 

[YousafTheBeast]

I’m not having any kids until we get our team back. My child doesn’t deserve to grow through the trauma of supporting Pakistan cricket.

For me personally, I can’t support Scotland simply because I don’t believe it’s a merit based system. If you look at all the clubs in Scotland, almost all of them are packed with Indians and Pakistani’s. Yet, somehow they struggle to make it to the national team.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I'll still support Pakistan.

My kids will likely support England/Scotland + Pakistan as second team.

Being 2nd/3rd generation immigrants we still have some hope and goodwill towards Pakistan. The younger generation is accustomed to western lifestyles and will run a mile laughing rather than embrace the chaos of Pakistan cricket.

Imagine your kid telling one of his white mates that the team he supports selected a player because the PM of the country told the coach to select him

 

[Rana]

a player because the PM of the country told the coach to select him

That’s the case in Australia too. The PM could very well be invested in cricket. He might not intervene in selection matters but he will definitely have a strong opinion on players. Aussies who love cricket understand it properly.

 

[gazza619]

People who support Pakistan will always support Pakistan

Cant say about next generation

 

[DeadlyVenom]

That’s the case in Australia too. The PM could very well be invested in cricket. He might not intervene in selection matters but he will definitely have a strong opinion on players. Aussies who love cricket understand it properly.

He can have an opinion but they won't directly intervene.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

People who support Pakistan will always support Pakistan

He isn't talking about us Gazza bhai he is talking about our next generation.

If us guys who post on forums and watch this team 24/7 won't pass down this support to our kids it doesn't beckon well for the long term future of the game. We have already seen what the state of support is like in Karachi.

 

[mominsaigol]

My future children will play in the aussie cricket team

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

I have lost my interest in cricket as a sport as my world view has expanded.

Everyone chimes in that sports & politics shouldn't mix but what I see, all sports are 100% political. For example, they talk about Olympics spirit & whatnot as they were quick to ban Russia but said nothing about other countries carrying out genocide & sports washed their crimes.

If people really are kind to the next gen, they'll teach them to play sports to be fit & healthy but not have an unhealthy obsession of watching it. There are so many other things that they can do to spend their time instead of wasting it watching sport.

 

[Bhaijaan]

A lot of fans here talking about future kids but studies have shown that depression can lead to low testosterone levels and sperm count. Just saying.

 

[NeVerMind]

He isn't talking about us Gazza bhai he is talking about our next generation.

If us guys who post on forums and watch this team 24/7 won't pass down this support to our kids it doesn't beckon well for the long term future of the game. We have already seen what the state of support is like in Karachi.

True, while Pakistan will always hold a special place in my heart as my first cricketing love, the allure is fading. I am always reminded me of the story of when Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid being invited to a team BBQ at Johnny Bairstow's house a while back. They agreed to show their face and then leave early thinking there won't be much for them to eat there only to be told by Johnny that all the meat cooked on the day will be halal. That's how much times have changed!

Plus, the children here today and dare I say myself, probably have more in common with the English players than their Pakistan counterparts.

 

[NeVerMind]

A lot of fans here talking about future kids but studies have shown that depression can lead to low testosterone levels and sperm count. Just saying.

Plus that thing you do with your hand regularly does not help so I urge you to slow down!

 

[shaz619]

True, while Pakistan will always hold a special place in my heart as my first cricketing love, the allure is fading. I am always reminded me of the story of when Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid being invited to a team BBQ at Johnny Bairstow's house a while back. They agreed to show their face and then leave early thinking there won't be much for them to eat there only to be told by Johnny that all the meat cooked on the day will be halal. That's how much times have changed!

Plus, the children here today and dare I say myself, probably have more in common with the English players than their Pakistan counterparts.

That’s a good point, I think in recent years perhaps only players like Mo.Aamir and Imad Wasim are probably relatable, but then they’ve spent significant periods in England.

 

[shaz619]

It’s an odd one for me because I grew up supporting England and was really into Ashes Cricket, guys like Darren Gough, Alec Stewart, Marcus Trescothick and Nasser Hussain (Who I thought was a Muslim like me) were these big larger then life cricketers. Shoaib Akhtar changed everything for me in that regard and made me more of a Pakistan cricket fan. I think the England team is more diverse then it ever has been and inclusive, and after what players like Mo & Rash have achieved, there will be vast swathes of British Asians taking up cricket so future generations from a similar background will be hooked. It is down to people like us if the kids will follow Pakistan and when we cba with this toxic lot and stop tuning into the matches, then am afraid fewer kids will be supporting Pakistan.

In short, Rizwan is single handedly killing off a large/vocal portion of Pakistan’s fanbase.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

True, while Pakistan will always hold a special place in my heart as my first cricketing love, the allure is fading. I am always reminded me of the story of when Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid being invited to a team BBQ at Johnny Bairstow's house a while back. They agreed to show their face and then leave early thinking there won't be much for them to eat there only to be told by Johnny that all the meat cooked on the day will be halal. That's how much times have changed!

Plus, the children here today and dare I say myself, probably have more in common with the English players than their Pakistan counterparts.

You are right..Times have changed since our era when England was the legacy of lamb, Botham, Gatting etc.

Now there is a more inclusive atmosphere and it makes easier for Pakistanis and Asians to support.

Most of the youngsters already support the home nations in football so cricket won't be too big a jump.

 

[gazza619]

He isn't talking about us Gazza bhai he is talking about our next generation.

If us guys who post on forums and watch this team 24/7 won't pass down this support to our kids it doesn't beckon well for the long term future of the game. We have already seen what the state of support is like in Karachi.

Our next generation in England will not be following cricket anyway

 

[kron]

Yea no. Absolutely not.
And yes as someone above mentioned. Scottish system isn’t even merit based. So much racial bias that goes unnoticed because well no one really cares about Scotland I guess?

In England too. Lots of clubs mention racism is still pervasive within the system for counties. So no I don’t think any Brit Pakistani should ever support England. Each to their own though

In Australia too, there is some bias sub consciously that plays in the minds of selectors. Plenty of talented desi players exist but hardly any make it to the A team. It is better than England though to an extent. Atleast some modicum of thought is given to merit.

In individual sports, different story. Plenty can represent Australia etc. in cricket and to a lesser extent hockey, it’s mostly dominated by Aussies for selections.

Mominsaigols kids can make it for individual sport but never for cricket at the top even if the kid happens to be an elite talent. Cricket hockey and I would even say football.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Nah.

 

[jamie smith]

I thought only @mominsaigol was living outside pak but now I think 98% of pp members are living outside pak.
I thought there will be pak people on this forumn not 98% expats.

 

[jamie smith]

That's why you see lack of threads of ground reality of Pakistan in TP. Only a few resident pakistanis are in the forum.

It used to be different 10-15 years ago. It was much more fun. I wish admins hadn't deleted those threads. There was a thread about a poster introducing his cousin to PP while giving minute by minute details of his activity. Those were gems of PP.

Yeah agree with u.
Only a few postersl ike @Muhammad Saad @Xoib know the ground reality and actually follow domestic cricket.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Yeah agree with u.
Only a few postersl ike @Muhammad Saad @Xoib know the ground reality and actually follow domestic cricket.

No one is stopping Pakistani cricket fans from posting about domestic cricket on here. Maybe they just aren't that into cricket.

Personally I don't really follow the game much either, only posted here because it was specifically about British Pakistanis so I am giving some insight.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Pakistanis in Pakistan don't even go to the ground.

If you want a true Pakistani experience you watch a game in Birmingham or London.

We are the ones keeping this team relevant on a global scale.

 

[sweep_shot]

Pakistani-Brits should support both England and Pakistan.

As a Bangladeshi-Canadian, I always root for Bangladesh and Canada (along with Australia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan).

 

[Varun]

Sorry to burst the bubble, but British Pakistanis are a drop in the ocean of the support base of either England or Pakistan.

 

[rickroll]

I’m not having any kids until we get our team back. My child doesn’t deserve to grow through the trauma of supporting Pakistan cricket.

For me personally, I can’t support Scotland simply because I don’t believe it’s a merit based system. If you look at all the clubs in Scotland, almost all of them are packed with Indians and Pakistani’s. Yet, somehow they struggle to make it to the national team.

Wow, I did not know this! So the Scotland team selection is more racially based (if I can be blunt) and not talent based? That sucks man

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Pakistanis in Pakistan don't even go to the ground.

If you want a true Pakistani experience you watch a game in Birmingham or London.

We are the ones keeping this team relevant on a global scale.

British Pakistani fans put Pakistan cricket fans on the map back in the 90's to such an extent the world cup tickets were selling on the black market for hundreds of pounds. Just got to look at the crowds in Manchester for the semi finals of the '99 world cup and compare them with the limp and apologetic support in Karachi if you want a debate about it.

It's a shame we don't get matches in Peshawar, you would probably see some real atmosphere there. Lahore is still representing well considering the crap they are forced to watch.

 

[rickroll]

True, while Pakistan will always hold a special place in my heart as my first cricketing love, the allure is fading. I am always reminded me of the story of when Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid being invited to a team BBQ at Johnny Bairstow's house a while back. They agreed to show their face and then leave early thinking there won't be much for them to eat there only to be told by Johnny that all the meat cooked on the day will be halal. That's how much times have changed!

Plus, the children here today and dare I say myself, probably have more in common with the English players than their Pakistan counterparts.

This is so awesome to hear. My respect for Bairstow has grown a lot hearing this.

 

[Sachin fan]

Pakistanis in Pakistan don't even go to the ground.

If you want a true Pakistani experience you watch a game in Birmingham or London.

We are the ones keeping this team relevant on a global scale.

That's not a surprise really, asians always get more patriotic from outside after leaving their own country for money. Maybe it's some guilty conscience.

 

[Sachin fan]

This is so awesome to hear. My respect for Bairstow has grown a lot hearing this.

Western liberal countries have always accomodated minorities and those who are different from them. Which is why people immigrate. It's always the Asian countries and right wing governments who are racist and rigid.

But all that is changing with the same migrants helping right wingers like trump come to power which will change all this behavior and only bring hatred.

 

[NeVerMind]

I thought only @mominsaigol was living outside pak but now I think 98% of pp members are living outside pak.
I thought there will be pak people on this forumn not 98% expats.

I was born in Denmark and moved to Pakistan from 1989 to 1993. My first love was always football and cricket didn't make any sense to me. Then 92 World Cup happened and it was like a religious conversion and I fell hook, line and sinker for the game! Little did I know that this was setting me up for life of pain

I have then made every effort to attend every game in my adopted homeland that is the UK and attended the highs in person (T20 and Champions League wins) and lows (Ovalgate and Spot Fixing).

But this current lot are so insipid and incapable of change with no x factor players that the last time they were here, I didn't bother to go watch them. They are not even worth getting a Sky Cricket subscription and I don't think that's changing for a while...

 

[DeadlyVenom]

That's not a surprise really, asians always get more patriotic from outside after leaving their own country for money. Maybe it's some guilty conscience.

I don't think it's from the guilty conscience but cricket was usually the best way to express identity - that identity is now getting diluted as generations become British.

In terms of atmosphere British Indians and Pakistanis would have been exposed to football culture and songs and I think they bring that to the cricket. Whereas a passionate Asian fan would be someone like Chacha cricket, the India guy and Bangladesh tiger. Eccentric people.

UK matches involving these teams have that eccentricity but good levels of banter too.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Wow, I did not know this! So the Scotland team selection is more racially based (if I can be blunt) and not talent based? That sucks man

If it was talent based you’d have a team that looked similar to USA or Canada.

Even Ireland, correct me if I’m wrong but there’s not one POC in their team. How’s that possible if there’s a Pakistani + Indian community there?

 

[rickroll]

It’s an odd one for me because I grew up supporting England and was really into Ashes Cricket, guys like Darren Gough, Alec Stewart, Marcus Trescothick and Nasser Hussain (Who I thought was a Muslim like me) were these big larger then life cricketers. Shoaib Akhtar changed everything for me in that regard and made me more of a Pakistan cricket fan. I think the England team is more diverse then it ever has been and inclusive, and after what players like Mo & Rash have achieved, there will be vast swathes of British Asians taking up cricket so future generations from a similar background will be hooked. It is down to people like us if the kids will follow Pakistan and when we cba with this toxic lot and stop tuning into the matches, then am afraid fewer kids will be supporting Pakistan.

In short, Rizwan is single handedly killing off a large/vocal portion of Pakistan’s fanbase.

Isn't Nasser Hussain muslim? Has he renounced the religion? I did not know this.

 

[batandballbattle]

This team keeps hitting new lows, and the excitement to watch them wasn't like it was when I was growing up as a teen. We have definitely regressed a lot and I find myself criticising then a lot more but I'll still support the team no matter how low they go. I guess I am used to suffering since the football team I support is in the relegation zone of the championship (English 2nd tier)

 

[Shaka81]

Why do people assume British Pakistanis are a homogenous group?
I'm Scottish, my grandparents are from Pakistan. I support Pakistan in cricket and for the same reason as outlined by @YousafTheBeast, I would not support the current Scottish cricket team. As a Scotsman I would never support England in anything. I actively want them to lose in everything.

 

[charlie007]

For decades, British Pakistanis have passionately supported Pakistan’s cricket team, often placing nostalgia and emotional ties above reason. I have been one of them, backing Pakistan cricket with all my heart since the late 1980s. But after yet another humiliating loss to India—without a fight—while persisting with the same failed players, I have finally reached my breaking point. This was the final straw that broke the camel’s back.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains in a constant state of turmoil, plagued by corruption, nepotism, and instability. Coaches and captains change like the weather, and meritocracy is often sacrificed for personal interests. There is no long-term planning, no accountability, and no vision for the future.

Meanwhile, England’s cricket setup is thriving, with more British Pakistanis playing for the national team than ever before. The likes of Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, and Saqib Mahmood are proof that talent, hard work, and commitment can lead to a place in a world-class system. Unlike the 1980s, when the so-called "Norman Tebbit test" questioned our loyalties, today’s multicultural England embraces diversity, and British Pakistani cricketers are an integral part of the national team.

If my children were ever fortunate enough to play at the highest level, I wouldn’t even consider exposing them to the chaos of Pakistan’s cricketing system. Why would I, when England offers them a structured, merit-based pathway to success? Passion for cricket should not mean blind loyalty. Maybe it’s time we accepted that supporting England is not a betrayal—it’s simply common sense.

I can assure you that camel’s back will never break - for cricket fanatics like us, that back is unbreakable. It might remain fractured for a little bit, but as soon as Pakistan wins a couple of matches it will heal itself.
The fact is, your kids watch you get excited or dejected depending on the result, but the kids will align themselves with your feelings and develop an affinity for Pakistan cricket and it’ll all happen very naturally over time without you realizing it.
Your kids may end up playing for England and be a loyal citizen, but Pakistan will always remain in their heart - at least in the first generation, these bonds don’t break that easily. Later on, it just depends on what they are exposed to.

I’m saying this with my own experience. My daughter doesn’t play cricket, but she stands with me when the Indian national anthem is played. She watches cricket with me, understands the game reasonably well, gets excited during boundaries and wickets, and knows the cricket legend names from other countries, even some from the past. It was all natural and I never forced her into watching cricket.

Good luck, regardless.

 

[BouncerGuy]

People can support whoever they want to. There is no one forcing anybody to support Pakistan or not. Sports is sports and should be dealt with just like any other game.

 

[jnaveen1980]

I can't support a team without an emotional connection. If your team loses and it hurts you then there is a connection.

 

[NeVerMind]

I can assure you that camel’s back will never break - for cricket fanatics like us, that back is unbreakable. It might remain fractured for a little bit, but as soon as Pakistan wins a couple of matches it will heal itself.
The fact is, your kids watch you get excited or dejected depending on the result, but the kids will align themselves with your feelings and develop an affinity for Pakistan cricket and it’ll all happen very naturally over time without you realizing it.
Your kids may end up playing for England and be a loyal citizen, but Pakistan will always remain in their heart - at least in the first generation, these bonds don’t break that easily. Later on, it just depends on what they are exposed to.

I’m saying this with my own experience. My daughter doesn’t play cricket, but she stands with me when the Indian national anthem is played. She watches cricket with me, understands the game reasonably well, gets excited during boundaries and wickets, and knows the cricket legend names from other countries, even some from the past. It was all natural and I never forced her into watching cricket.

Good luck, regardless.

That is true for the likes of oldies like me but the point I was making is for the current generation in the UK. Compared to the Indian team, there are three major differences:

1. BCCI is actually competent as opposed to the PCB which is in a constant state of turmoil, plagued by corruption, nepotism, and instability. Same , different year. And it's not changing anytime soon. Even my kids think they are a joke that stopped being funny a long time ago.
2. British Pakistanis are a major part of the international team. With Rehan Ahmed joining the England squad later this week, that make a total of 3 alongside Saqib and Adil. The current generation are more likely to identify with them then the likes of Rizwan who, according to my children, speaks in tongues as nothing coming out of his mouth makes any sense!
3. There are no Pakistan players with the X-factor as opposed to the Indian team to attract the youngsters. Gone are the days of Waz and Waqar, the elegance of Saeed Anwar, the Rawalpindi Express, the powerful middle order of Inzy/YK/MoYo, and the explosive duo of all rounders that were Afridi and Razzaq. Who are they suppose to look up to these days? The insipid duo of RizBar who play for their averages rather than the team or the much hyped but flop trio of pacers that are Shaheen, Rauf and Naseem?

 

[NeVerMind]

England! You are not supposed to follow in Pakistan's steps and get knocked out in the group stages, just like in the World Cup the year before!! Who am I supposed to support now??

 

[Bhaijaan]

Brother is this scripted or what because this is too funny.

 

[Usman Chadda]

This thread aged well

 

[NeVerMind]

This thread aged well

I was about to say the same thing!

 

[NeVerMind]

Was really praying for Adil Rashid to hit the winning runs but alas, it was not to be...at least "we" fought in both matches, unlike Pakistan who surrendered like a kitten to the opposition....

 

[Bhaijaan]

Abhi bhi waqt hae,




@DeadlyVenom @Cpt. Rishwat @Major @Rana @Stewie @Bilal7 @Usman Chadda@kingusama92 @BouncerGuy @The Bald Eagle

 

[Technics 1210]

There are more Pakistanis supporting England than Indians supporting England, it is because Indians cannot get over British rule. Chip on the shoulder.

Most British born Pakistanis have zero problem in supporting England - be it Football, Olympics, Cricket etc.

Indians on the other hand - are forced to support India - even the stateless Indians who are stripped off their citizenship - must support India from the shadows of illegal immigration.

I don't know about you lot, I never stopped supporting England.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Pakistan Out

Former Pakistan Out

British Pakistan Out

Seems only @mominsaigol is left.

 

[RexRex]

I can understand for first gen and maybe second gen desis, but third generation immigrants have no excuse ... they have to support England !

Cohesion of the country is at stake.

 

[NeVerMind]

I can understand for first gen and maybe second gen desis, but third generation immigrants have no excuse ... they have to support England !

Cohesion of the country is at stake.

Not if they keep following Pakistan's footsteps and keep getting knocked out in the group stages!

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

There are more Pakistanis supporting England than Indians supporting England, it is because Indians cannot get over British rule. Chip on the shoulder.

Most British born Pakistanis have zero problem in supporting England - be it Football, Olympics, Cricket etc.

Indians on the other hand - are forced to support India - even the stateless Indians who are stripped off their citizenship - must support India from the shadows of illegal immigration.

I don't know about you lot, I never stopped supporting England.

I don't support England but my kids do, and so do some other members of my family. Good on them, I wish I was that big hearted, but I am really petty unfortunately.

 

[Mesozoic]

There are more Pakistanis supporting England than Indians supporting England, it is because Indians cannot get over British rule. Chip on the shoulder.

Most British born Pakistanis have zero problem in supporting England - be it Football, Olympics, Cricket etc.

Indians on the other hand - are forced to support India - even the stateless Indians who are stripped off their citizenship - must support India from the shadows of illegal immigration.

I don't know about you lot, I never stopped supporting England.

Well it's easier to support England when your other option is to support Pakistan and go through one humiliation after another.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

What a jinx thread lol

I hope India win.

 

[mominsaigol]

Pakistan Out

Former Pakistan Out

British Pakistan Out

Seems only @mominsaigol is left.

Game on brother

 

[Bhaijaan]

Pakistani fans and YouTubers,
The ultimate panauti in cricket these days.

Bhai ye jinko support krte unki khatiya lag jaaati.

 

[RexRex]

Pakistan Out

Former Pakistan Out

British Pakistan Out

Seems only @mominsaigol is left.

@mominsaigol is a proper aussie fan, even though many suspect he is a glory hunter.

 

[mominsaigol]

@mominsaigol is a proper aussie fan, even though many suspect he is a glory hunter.

If I was a glory hunter, I'd support any team that would win the cup meaning I'd have supported England in 2019, Aus in 2021, Eng in 2022, aus in 2023, India in 2024.

And you'd see me flip flopping like a fish similar to mamoon.

In terms of my favourite teams

1) Classic Australia
2) Australia (any era)
3) Classic Pakistan

The rest are eh, NZ i support but I don't fan boy them, their whatever, don't really care.

Current Pakistan I despise and am now starting to despise England as well since it's hilarious how aus's main rivals is a joke.

India is now Australia main rival in my eyes

 

[mominsaigol]

I can understand for first gen and maybe second gen desis, but third generation immigrants have no excuse ... they have to support England !

Cohesion of the country is at stake.

but third generation immigrants have no excuse ... they have to support England !

Agreed and this is what ive veen advocating to everyone. If yyou've commited to acquiring citizenship then you better not prioritise your motherland, you're a hypocrite since you left it in the first place

 

[Bhaijaan]

If I was a glory hunter, I'd support any team that would win the cup meaning I'd have supported England in 2019, Aus in 2021, Eng in 2022, aus in 2023, India in 2024.

And you'd see me flip flopping like a fish similar to mamoon.

In terms of my favourite teams

1) Classic Australia
2) Australia (any era)
3) Classic Pakistan

The rest are eh, NZ i support but I don't fan boy them, their whatever, don't really care.

Current Pakistan I despise and am now starting to despise England as well since it's hilarious how aus's main rivals is a joke.

India is now Australia main rival in my eyes

You not a glory hunter. Just a genuine fan of Australian cricket team. Just like all the Ronaldo and Messi fans in the world.

 

[mominsaigol]

You not a glory hunter. Just a genuine fan of Australian cricket team. Just like all the Ronaldo and Messi fans in the world.

Travis head and Steve smith are my messing and Ronaldo .

In terms of all time, it has to be mcgrath and gilly. No disrespect to pointing, waugh or anyone else but gilly and mcgrath for 2 historical reasons

A) mcgrath debunking the classic myth of more pace = a better bowler. Mcgrath, Bumrah, Joel Garner and many other have proven that line and length will always be the king.

B) Gilly for changing the very landscape of what it means.to be a wicket keeping batter. He is the father of people like Dhoni, pant, quinton de kock etc etc.

 

[Hellion]

Tough time to be an English or a Pakistani fan. Doubly so if you are British Pakistani.

I suppose you'll always have it better than being a Bangladesh fan but that's not saying much.

 

[jamie smith]

oh guys come on lets get afghanistan through to the semis.
We should all support the aussies and hopefully afghanistan will get through.
@mominsaigol ur team will also be out soon.

 

[jnaveen1980]

I knew the thread had potential lol Not so soon

 

[Stewie]

Pakistan Out

Former Pakistan Out

British Pakistan Out

Seems only @mominsaigol is left.

Wanna be Pakistan still in contention.

 

[jamie smith]

Good time to be a Indian Pakistani fan.
Win win from both sides.

Tough time to be an English or a Pakistani fan. Doubly so if you are British Pakistani.

I suppose you'll always have it better than being a Bangladesh fan but that's not saying much.

 

[jamie smith]

I knew the thread had potential lol Not so soon

Lets create a auusie thread now and get @mominsaigol in tears.

 

[jamie smith]

Pakistan Out

Former Pakistan Out

British Pakistan Out

Seems only @mominsaigol is left.

That too shall pass.

 

[Technics 1210]

I don't support England but my kids do, and so do some other members of my family. Good on them, I wish I was that big hearted, but I am really petty unfortunately.

For sure, but point is if you did decide to support England you wouldn't feel guilty about it - unlike Indians.

 

[shaz619]

It’s more amusing for me because the West Indies didn’t even qualify, all hopes with South Africa now

 

[shaz619]

For sure, but point is if you did decide to support England you wouldn't feel guilty about it - unlike Indians.

This is so true, at my uni there were Indians who were confused about why I supported England and were even going as far as trying to get me to do otherwise.

Apart from British Sikhs & British Muslims, I think it’s a problem for British Hindu’s.

 

[JaDed]

Lol fun thread

 

[mominsaigol]

Lets create a auusie thread now and get @mominsaigol in tears.

Am not the only aussie resident here. Although I think I'm the only aussie pakistani here.

Varun and kron both live in aus. No clue where varun lives but kron lives in Brisbane

 

[NeVerMind]

I think most people missing the point of this thread which was originally for people born in the UK of Pakistani background.

My own case is unique as I was born in Denmark and didn't 'get' the game until my brief residency in Pakistan which coincided with the 92 World Cup that led to my 'conversion'.

So my first cricket love was and will always be Pakistan, however painful it gets. But I have a soft spot for England and players like Mo, Rash and the new generation of Aaqib and Rehan make it easier to root for them.

 

[mominsaigol]

oh guys come on lets get afghanistan through to the semis.
We should all support the aussies and hopefully afghanistan will get through.
@mominsaigol ur team will also be out soon.

Nope de nope

 

[NeVerMind]

This is so true, at my uni there were Indians who were confused about why I supported England and were even going as far as trying to get me to do otherwise.

Apart from British Sikhs & British Muslims, I think it’s a problem for British Hindu’s.

The worst case I saw was when I was at the Rosebowl watching Pakistan play England at the ODI (can't remember the year but YK scored 100) and Saj Mahmood was playing for England and was being hounded as a traitor by the Pakistani fans. That was in very bad taste...hope times have changed now

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Which team apart from Afghans have most bhais?

It's India isn't it.

Let's get behind them.

LGBBT+ movement

Let's Get Behind Bharat Together.
Who's in?

 

[Aami]

Ha ha ... OK Lord Tebbit.

 

[NeVerMind]

Which team apart from Afghans have most bhais?

It's India isn't it.

Let's get behind them.

LGBBT+ movement

Let's Get Behind Bharat Together.
Who's in?

Cant get behind the Afghanistan team after personally witnessing their fan's disgraceful behaviours at Leeds in the 2019 WC, jumping over barriers, ripping out chairs and beating up the families in the stands. Glad we beat them that day...

 

[Aami]

My kids brought up in England, played cricket at club level, now in their early 20s support Pakistan.

My son and I looked a 'right sight' yesterday wearing the latest Pak top ...but hey ho, if you're not gonna support your team when they're down then ... when are you?

 

[NeVerMind]

My kids brought up in England, played cricket at club level, now in their early 20s support Pakistan.

My son and I looked a 'right sight' yesterday wearing the latest Pak top ...but hey ho, if you're not gonna support your team when they're down then ... when are you?

And if they were good enough to play at the highest level, which international team would you encourage them to play for?

Pakistan, where you probably need to have the connections at the top level, support the right political party, hope that the selectors are related to you, etc or England, where they will be selected on merit, and once that has happened, will be nurtured and looked after?