Inzamam-ul-Haq wants to hear "Pakistan Zindabad" chants in Pakistan

Pakistan has been a completely different team after their humiliating defeat against rivals India in their opening game of ICC Champions Trophy 2017. Their complete makeover was visible in the match against South Africa. Brilliant in all the three departments, remodelled Pakistan pulled off the first win. Next step was the virtual quarter-final against Angelo Mathews & Co.

There again, Pakistan pulled off a brilliant victory to confirm their place in the semi-final. But getting the tickets to the final was not easy. They faced the hosts England, who won all of the matches of the group stage. The majority of cricket analysts considered England as favourites to win the match, owing to their red-hot form. But the Three Lions were no match for the furious Men in Green.

Having won the toss, Sarfraz Ahmed asked the English batters to try their luck against his warriors first. The English batters failed miserably after a good start. 212 was never a big total to defend, but Pakistan made the chase look easier. More than 12 overs were still in hand and Pakistan still had 8 wickets in hand, when the game was all but over.

Hassan Ali was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan while Azhar Ali was leading the charge with the bat. After a few spills, fielding was also up to the mark for Pakistan. Fakhar Zaman pulled off a stunner to dismiss the dangerous Moeen Ali. After the massive victory, “Pakistan Zindabad” chants filled the air of Cardiff.

The reason for Inzamam’s heartache

Since 2009, Pakistan has not seen international cricket. Zimbabwe visited the country, but no top-tier international team is willing to play cricket in Pakistan. National team selector Inzamam-ul-Haq wants international cricket in to come back to the country.

In a tweet after the match, he expressed his feelings stating “Cardiff’s air was filled with the chants of Cardiff’s air was filled with the chants of Pakistan Zindabad today. My heart aches to hear these sounds again in stadiums of my Pakistan! today. My heart aches to hear these sounds again in stadiums of my Pakistan!”