While India erupted in jubilation over its emphatic victory against New Zealand in the ICC ODI Championship, the euphoria wasn’t confined to its borders. Across the border, Pakistan too found itself caught up in the excitement, with many fans openly celebrating their ‘humsaya mulk’s’ (neighbouring nation’s) triumph. The streets in India turned blue with jerseys, sweets and fireworks filled the air, and Holi colours painted the night in celebration. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, cricket enthusiasts took to social media and YouTube channels, sharing their admiration – and, for some, their disappointment in their own team.
‘This is how one triumphs’
Shaila Khan, conducting street interviews for the popular YouTube channel Naila Pakistani Reaction, captured the raw emotions of Pakistani cricket lovers. One fan, brimming with enthusiasm, declared, ‘India has shattered the hopes of New Zealand, broken their ego, and lifted the trophy! Rohit Sharma has shown he is invincible – a tiger never grows old! This is how one wins, how one triumphs! They have proved they truly deserve this trophy.’
Another fan marvelled at the dominance of just two players, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill. ‘These two alone proved they can stand strong against any opposition. India has remained unbeaten throughout the championship!’
A third fan praised the team’s unity, crediting its success to a strong bond between players and management. ‘There’s no favoritism or nepotism. It’s all about merit. After 2013, they have finally claimed what they richly deserved.’
‘India walks in with confidence; we shiver’
As the celebrations reached fever pitch, female fans expressed their awe at India’s unwavering determination. ‘India has shown the world that only they can win the game,’ said one girl, before pointing out how even Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulatory tweet on X reflected the leadership’s backing of the team.
‘When Rohit, Virat, or any Indian player steps onto the field, they do so with confidence,’ she continued. ‘In contrast, our cricketers seem to shiver.’
A woman fan, visibly frustrated, lamented Pakistan’s performance. ‘Our players don’t put in the effort. They’re more interested in money and luxuries funded by our government. While India lifts the trophy, we’re left feeling ashamed. Just wait until Ramadan – we’ll be waiting to greet them with ripe red tomatoes.’
Even amid admiration for India’s performance, some fans couldn’t help but hope for a tougher challenge. ‘Rohit’s 76 was great, but I wanted him to score a century like Kohli,’ a girl commented. ‘India’s 252-run target was too easy. If New Zealand had set 300, the match would’ve been more exciting.’
Another cricket lover, clad in a sports jacket and cap, summed it up: ‘India comes to win, and they achieve it.’
India’s greatest Pakistani fan
On Real TV Entertainment YouTube channel, Abid Ali, a die-hard Indian cricket supporter in Pakistan, became the highlight of the night. Known for emptying his pockets live on Shoaib Chaudhry’s show when Virat Kohli scored a century in the semi-finals, Abid took his joy to new heights after India’s victory. He ecstatically threw currency notes into the air like confetti, saying, ‘Even if New Zealand had set a target of 400, they should realise it’s India they are playing against! Rohit stood like a rock, scripting this win.’ He then pulled out another wad of notes, dedicating the donation ‘in the name of India and world cricket’.
Mixed emotions and lingering debates
On Sidra Tariq’s show, emotions ranged from admiration to frustration. ‘At least the cup is with an Asian country,’ one girl fan said, trying to find solace in India’s win.
Another, an ardent Virat Kohli admirer, congratulated India but turned her attention to Pakistan’s struggling squad. ‘Pakistan cricketers, please do something to bring back our past glory. Play with your heart at least! Our country is being ridiculed, and your performance is making it worse.’
Sidra herself reflected on Pakistan’s role in the championship, noting, ‘We prepared the ground as hosts, but India grabbed the trophy.’
However, not everyone was on board with the celebrations. A man voiced scepticism about India’s dominance, claiming the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) were in cahoots. ‘India dictated the tournament, both on the field and off it. They even got their way by refusing to play in Pakistan. If the matches had taken place here, would India have still won? I doubt it. The ICC and BCCI are two sides of the same coin, and they manipulated this event in India’s favour.’
Cricket transcends borders
While some fans remained bitter, the overall sentiment in Pakistan was one of admiration for India’s formidable cricketing prowess. The sheer passion, commitment, and merit-based approach that powered the Indian team to victory left many Pakistani fans yearning for their own cricketing revival.
For now, Pakistan’s cricket lovers continue to celebrate their neighbour’s win while hoping that someday, their own team will give them the same reason to cheer. Until then, India reigns supreme, and the streets – both at home and beyond – continue to echo with the sounds of victory.