My memory of when India came to Pakistan in 1997

[FAM]

Oh, how I long for those simpler times. I remember September 27th, 1997 like it was yesterday - the day I attended a cricket practice session with my uncle and younger brother at Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad, Pakistan. It was a day that will forever be etched in my memory, a day that I could never imagine reliving in today's world.

There was hardly any security at the event, and players and fans mingled freely like they were old friends, with no barriers between them. I can still feel the excitement coursing through my veins as we clicked a picture with Ijaz Ahmed and got Saqlain Mushtaq's autograph - it was a moment that I never wanted to end.

Shahid Afridi was fully focused on batting practice, and Sachin Tendulkar stood above us, watching from the balcony. My heart raced as Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid padded up and came out to practice, but things turned awkward when Indian bowlers began making rounds of the ground.

But then, the most incredible thing happened - we, Pakistani fans, were invited to bowl at Sourav and Dravid and help them practice. I'll never forget the cheers that erupted when someone got Dravid's wicket, or the way he smiled sheepishly afterwards.

As we were leaving the stadium, I saw Muhammad Azharuddin standing near the stairs by the exit gate. A lot of people were pushing and shoving behind me, and I ended up colliding with him. But he just glanced my way before continuing his conversation, as though it was no big deal. It's hard to imagine such a casual attitude towards security these days.

That day was truly wonderful, a day that I wish I could relive again and again. I yearn for the times when there were no security issues and life was simpler, and I hope that someday we can return to those days of peace and joy.

 

[MenInG]

Wonderful to read your experience.

Times were simpler and the fans loved the game and didn't care about anything else.

 

[Markhor]

Nice post. I grew up in an era of regular Indo-Pak cricket and while the rivalry was intense, beneath the surface lay a mutual respect and genuine admiration for one another. One only has to see the massive following Wasim Akram still has in India.

Cricket diplomacy is a rather cliched term but those regular interactions in the 90s and 00s humanised the "other side" and genuinely broke down barriers.

There's a famous British documentary on the 1999 series which I've rewatched countless times, and it's something out of a fever dream given today's climate. The Pakistan team are serenaded with a live music performance. There's the ovation in Chennai (which was reciprocated 5 years later in Karachi). There's a bit where Wasim and Sachin are chatting like old mates.

Although the rivalry in the 90s and 00s wasn't necessarily on equal terms (PAK generally dominating the 90s and IND turning the tables in the 00s), there was some cricket of the highest quality. The 2004 ODI series and 2005 Test series in particular stands out in my mind. It was like two heavyweight boxers going punch for punch (despite much diminished PAK bowling compared to past eras) and it lived up to the hype unlike the recent encounters (until the recent trilogy of T20 classics).

It was also a time when international cricket was the pinnacle when as a fan you hung on every result. Compare that to today's rubbish where B teams are regularly dished up because the stars are getting their payday elsewhere (which I don't begrudge) and nobody gives a damn even if your team's been whitewashed.

 

[aqeelPK]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I saw a group of Indian fans in Pindi's market during my childhood & believe me, It was the first time I realised Indians are also normal human beings just like us lol. The perception about Indians that PTV built in my mind was blown away in couple of minutes.

 

[daytrader]

Awesome post. What a great time that was. I met many of the Indian players at the Sahara cup in Toronto with the same experience of fans and players from both sides mingling freely. The World used to be a better place

 

[gazza619]

Lovely post.

Times were indeed so simple. I remember bunking my school and walking 3 miles on my way to National Stadium Karachi to watch Pakistan beat Australia in a test match in 1994 on day 5.