Daily Times

As Mohamed Amir prepared to bowl the second over of South Africa’s innings, his name rang around Lords, affectionately known as “The Home of Cricket.” Storming in with confidence, Amir dismissed Hashim Amla with a beautifully bowled inswinging delivery. That, in essence, is the power of Pakistani supporters — and their ability to influence players on the pitch. There are uncanny similarities between ‘92 and this year: the same result pattern, a similar tournament format, and Inzamamal Haq, who was a breakout star in the 1992 World Cup, even has a relative opening the batting for Pakistan. I mention the similarities only because, even in the direst situation, us Pakistani fans stuck with the team – who ended up victors. With that being said, we might not end up even qualifying for the semis, however, we need to back the team with our full belief, and give them the confidence to achieve anything they want to. Thus, it has become obvious, that our players thrive on the confidence of the fans. When we believe, they believe. When we don’t, they don’t. On a smaller scale, fans in the stadium, need to chant the player’s names. Supporters outside the ground can communicate their support on social media. All of this: our collective support, will let the team know we back them. The next step in the process is the desire that the players have to win. In ‘92, led by Imran Khan, even without star bowler, Waqar Younis, the team always believed. Throughout the Champions Trophy in 2017, it was clear the players wanted to prove themselves – and so, with the passion of the fans, and the drive of the team’s talents, Pakistan won the cup.