As the holy month of Ramazan begins, the streets and neighbourhoods of Rawalpindi have turned into makeshift cricket grounds, with enthusiastic young players taking over the city from 9pm to 4am.
These impromptu matches have disrupted traffic on roads and in markets, causing congestion.
Youth can be seen playing cricket in streets, alleys, and marketplaces throughout the night, creating a noisy spectacle that disturbs residents. Despite the commotion, law enforcement, including mobile police units and the Dolphin Force, largely ignore the situation, driving past the street players without intervention.
Any attempt by authorities or locals to stop the matches is met with resistance.
Several neighbourhoods, including Dhoke Khabba, Dhoke Ratta, Mukha Singh Estate, Dhoke Ilahi Bakhsh, Arya Mohalla, Muslim Town, Dhoke Kala Khan, and Satellite Town, have transformed into night-time cricket arenas. Many areas have even organised Ramazan night cricket tournaments, attracting teams from across the city.
The matches have led to frequent disturbances, with cricket balls smashing windows, hitting passersby, and colliding with vehicles, often leading to heated arguments and fights.
Citizens complain that the noise from these matches also disrupts Taraweeh prayers in mosques and affects the sleep of elders and fasting individuals.
Defending their late-night games, young players argue that the city lacks proper sports grounds.
"If we stop playing cricket too, where should we go?" asked Faisal, Kamil Hassan, Shaban, and Abdullah, who regularly participate in these matches.
"We are not doing anything illegal. If we are not allowed to play in the streets, then provide us with proper sports facilities."
On the other hand, local residents like Haji Manan and Ghayoor Khan urge the youth to play responsibly.
"We have no issue with them playing cricket, but they should not create excessive noise, disrupt traffic, or break windows," they said.
With no intervention in sight, these night tournaments are expected to continue until Chaand Raat (the night before Eid).
The growing popularity of these night-time cricket matches highlights the need for more recreational spaces and facilities for the youth of Rawalpindi. While their enthusiasm for the sport is commendable, the lack of proper infrastructure is pushing them to use public spaces, causing disturbances for other residents.
Authorities are now being urged to find a long-term solution to ensure that the youth can enjoy their passion for cricket without inconveniencing the wider community. The situation calls for a balance between youth engagement and maintaining peace and order in the city.
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