'The Pavilion': Indians Can't Stop Talking About Pakistan Cricket Show During ICC World Cup 2023

Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of ICC World Cup 2023 are as hazy as the next building in the Delhi smog, yet, they are still entertaining fans far away from the field. Yes, we are talking about the popular Pakistan cricket show “The Pavilion.” Hosted by renowned TV anchor Fakhar-e-Alam, “The Pavilion” features the former legends: Wasim Akram, Shoaib Malik, Misbah ul Haq, Moin Khan.

While Babar Azam & Co’s performance in the ongoing World Cup edition in India could be best described as sub-par, a grave disappointment for the millions of cricket-loving fans in Pakistan, the spirits of former Pakistan players seated in the studio haven’t dimmed one bit. Their unbiased cricket analysis on what’s happening in the tournament day in and day out has been of a particular highlight- something even Indian fans haven’t shied away from appreciating and praising in unison.

Also Read: How Pakistan’s Cricket Show Brings in ‘Biryani’, ‘Bumrah’ Talks to Keep Things ‘Light’ in WC 2023

“At this World Cup, Pakistan will be remembered the most for The Pavilion on A Sports,” wrote Wisden’s Abhishek Mukherjee.

A peek at the YouTube comments section of ‘A Sports,’ the channel that hosts the show, will remind you of the “brotherhood” shown under Coke Studio Pakistan’s videos by desi Indians.

“Such an unbiased and professional show this is. No hatred, jealousy, conspiracy just pure respect, analysis and love. Keep going. Love from India,” wrote one fan of the show.

“India fan from the UK. What a lovely show this is. Have been following this for sometime now and never fails to provide calm, practical, pragmatic, neutral, and yet passionate and enlightening, honest and authentic view from all panelists. Keep it coming,” chimed in another.

In short, Indians are hooked to the laid-back commentary, banter, and dissection of cricket action on The Pavilion. Questions sourced from the general public add to the charm and more.

Gems from The Pavilion

Previous week, Wasim Akram tore through bizarre claims put forth by former Pakistan cricketer Hasan Raza. Raza accused ICC and BCCI of favouring India and their bowlers by providing them with “different balls.” Indian bowlers have been ruthless in the 2023 edition of the World Cup, especially against Sri Lanka where Lankans perished for a mere 55 while chasing 358.

Akram, responding to the absurdity of Raza’s statement, said, “I’ve been reading been reading about it from last couple of days. I want to have same things these guys are having, sounds like fun because their mind isn’t there,” before adding, “Beizatti apni toh karani hai saadi bhi na karao duniya vich (You are embarrassing everyone). It’s a simple thing: An umpire brings with himself a box containing 12 balls. The team bowling first gets to choose two balls – option 1 and option 2. The umpire keeps the balls in each pocket.”

New Zealand’s recent 5-wicket win against Sri Lanka has (almost) quashed Pakistan’s chances of going through the semi-finals but Akram had a simple, yet effective solution for Babar Azam’s team to advance to the next round.

“Make whatever score that is possible and then go and lock the dressing room of the England team for 20 minutes so that all their batters get timed out,” Alam revealed Akram’s hilarious advice.

Also Read: Angelo Mathews Timed Out: 5 Times Cricketers Got Dismissed in Bizarre Fashion

When Babar Azam received a jersey gift from Virat Kohli after India defeated Pakistan, Akram felt it wasn’t an appropriate time to be receiving such gifts out in public.

“Today wasn’t the right time for this. If you want to do it – ‘Agar chacha ke puttar ne kaha hai ki t-shirt chahiye Kohli ki, toh match ke baad dressing room me maango.’ (If your uncle’s son has requested Kohli’s shirt, then get it after the game in the dressing room).”

You can check more hilarious moments from The Pavilion here.