Youngsters bowled over by night cricket tournaments

There is hardly any area where budding cricketers are not trying to emulate their heroes

BAHAWALPUR: For outsiders, Bahawalpur may seem to be a dead city in the month of Ramazan as things slow down considerably during the day.

However, for natives of the metropolis, the city comes alive at night when — after a day of fasting — people unwind with sports, shopping and gastronomic adventures.

Whether it is playing night cricket matches in the streets, sitting outside on the road with friends or running errands, Ramazan is the month where people’s routines turn upside down. There is hardly any area where batsmen are not trying to emulate their favourite cricketers, or bowlers are not trying to show their skills with the tape-ball. Electricity, or the lack thereof, is no problem for these sports fanatics who even arrange for a generator if things don’t go their way.

Night cricket during Ramazan has been gaining popularity and momentum as it is the favourite pastime for youngsters. However, not only youngsters are addicted to the game but elders also take keen interest in the matches.

Night cricket tournaments are held in majority of the areas in the city and streets that once bore a deserted look come to life.

Some of the prominent areas where night cricket is held on a daily basis in Bahawalpur include Muhammadia Colony, Library Road, Model Town B, Band Road, Circular Road and Hasilpur Road.

Even though, the youngsters are prone to become victim of road accidents due to disorganised traffic at night, even then they seemed committed to play the game.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, a cricket enthusiast Kamran Shaukat, resident of Muhammdia Colony, said, “I own a shop and get free at around 12am.” He added, “I and my friends gather in the street and play cricket till sehri.” He said, “This is a good form of entertainment and helps in socialising with my friends.”

Similarly, another cricket fanatic Daniyal Khan told The Express Tribune that he used to play cricket regularly in normal days but since Ramazan commenced, it became difficult to play due to fasting. He maintained, “Therefore, I fulfill my craving for cricket at night.”

Farhan Nasir, resident of Police Lines, said playing night cricket has helped him in maintaining his fitness. He said, “The best time to play cricket is at night as the roads are deserted and temperature remains cool.” He pointed out, “I recommend others to play cricket at night to remain fit and healthy during Ramazan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 21^st, 2017.