Cricket has returned to Pakistan after 29 long years, and what a journey it has been! Back in 1996, Pakistan co-hosted the Cricket World Cup, and now, in 2025, it’s gearing up to host the ICC Champions Trophy. But let’s take a hilarious ride through how the world has changed since the last time Pakistan hosted a mega cricket event.
- The Internet:
1996: The only thing buffering was our patience while waiting for dial-up internet to connect.
2025: Wi-Fi is everywhere, yet somehow, streaming a match still lags at the most crucial moment.
- Cricket :
1996: The third umpire was a luxury; LBW decisions relied on how convincing a bowler’s appeal was.
2025: There are so many reviews and ultra-edge replays that the umpire might as well take a nap.
- Players’ Fitness:
1996: A “fit” cricketer was someone who could eat biryani and still run a quick single.
2025: Players have personal chefs, fitness coaches, and wear fitness trackers like they’re secret agents.
- Communication:
1996: Landlines and faxes were the peak of communication. You missed the match? Wait for tomorrow’s newspaper.
2025: One controversial tweet and the whole cricketing world explodes in memes within seconds.
- Fashion:
1996: Baggy shirts, long sideburns, and floppy hats made cricketers look like 90s rockstars.
2025: Tight-fitted kits, trendy haircuts, and tattoos that have more planning than some team strategies.
- Crowds:
1996: Fans carried handmade posters and cheered with raw energy.
2025: Fans hold LED banners, live-stream their reactions, and analyze player stats like stock market experts.
- Commentary:
1996: “What a shot! Beautiful timing!”
2025: “The bat speed was 137.6 km/h, the launch angle was 42.5 degrees, and the predicted trajectory was—oh wait, he’s out!”
The Ultimate Change – Cricket Comes Home!
Through all the changes, one thing remains constant—Pakistan’s passion for cricket. Whether it’s 1996 or 2025, the roar of a Pakistani crowd when their team takes the field is timeless.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is not just a tournament; it’s a long-awaited cricket homecoming. And let’s be honest, no matter how much technology advances, some things never change—Pakistan vs. India is still the most-watched game, umpires still make questionable calls, and somehow, Pakistan’s cricket team will always find a way to turn a simple match into a heart-attack-inducing thriller.
Here’s to 29 years of change, but one thing’s for sure—Pakistan and cricket are still a match made in heaven!