By Farid Khan (16th January, 2015)

Mushtaq praised Imran Khan's captaincy during the 1992 World Cup and believed it was the main reason why they were able to return victorious, while Waqar Younis seemed disappointed to have missed out on a chance of playing that event, but was the 'happiest person in the world' when Pakistan brought the World Cup home. Among the players, Sohail Khan, who looked hesitant talking to the anchor, was asked to show up first. He emphasized on the importance of the mega event for his career and also shared a light moment on stage. Yasir Shah was next to speak, who also cracked a few jokes. Junaid Khan was asked if he was still worried about his injury, to which he answered, "I am superstitious and hence I don't want to recall any bad events. I just want to move ahead." Ahmed Shehzad was asked if he was planning to kill Virat Kohli with his looks, to which his reply was, "My profession is to play cricket and I want to dominate everyone with the bat and not with my looks." He was further asked if he had found an Anushka Sharma yet, "Pakistan is filled with much beautiful females that I don't need to look towards any Anushka Sharma." Mohammad Irfan was eager to play his first World Cup and was hoping for his height to give him an extra advantage on Australian pitches. "My style of bowling will suit during the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and I hope to extract extra bounce." Younis Khan was called on stage with a loud cheer from the spectators. He recalled the 2009 World T20 and how he had motivated the players. His message for the players yet to be married was to stay bachelor for as long as they possibly could. Najam Sethi was also present and took a swipe at Imran Khan right away when he was asked to say some words, only to be booed by a massive PTI fan following. "I wanted Imran Khan to be here, but it sees as if he is busy rectifying some punctures back in Islamabad." Along with that, Najam Sethi encouraged the players to win the World Cup. Wahab Riaz said he wanted to make his nation proud by winning the World Cup. Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal and others were also called to say a few words on stage. The fans were also asked a few questions. For some winning the match against India was half the battle won, while for others, going all the way was the only source of contentment.

The players were then asked to go backstage, which left the audience anxious. A montage was showed on the big screen, portraying the efforts and partnership of Pepsi with Pakistan Cricket over the last few decades. The winner of Sur Kshetra, Nabeel, sung a motivational song 'Jeet Lo Maidan' and dedicated it to the team. Pakistan Idol winner, Zamad and Amanat Ali, also played songs for the team. Famous Pakistani drama hero, Fawad Afzal Khan, was also brought on stage, which left the female members in the audience mesmerized. Subsequently, the countdown began and out of nowhere members of Pakistan squad appeared on stage wearing the 2015 World Cup jersey. The crowd went berserk and a loud cheer was heard inside the hall. Fancy lights and ticker tape welcomed the players as they modeled the World Cup Jersey. Shahid Afridi spoke to the audience and revealed the idea behind his famous celebration. "I raise my hands for the fans and my head up towards the sky to thank Allah Almighty." When asked if he would like to become an actor after his cricketing days are over, he said, "No, I would want to be a better Muslim instead." He also described what the World Cup meant to him. "It is my last World Cup and I want to win it for Pakistan. This is the best available lot and the way Misbah-ul-Haq is leading the team is fantastic. We are all united and focused," he concluded. Skipper, Misbah, then expressed his feelings on stage. "It is an honour for me to lead Pakistan in the World Cup and like every other player, I want to win it," he said. Dinner was served and after the dinner break, famous Pakistani musicians, Ali Azmat and Qurat-ul-ain Baloch, performed on stage, which compelled the audience to stand up and cheer for them. Some fans were trying to take pictures with them, while others were just glad to be part of the fabulous event.

The unveiling of the 2015 World Cup jersey certainly lifted the expectations sky high and the fans back home would want the performance during the World Cup to match the standard of the event staged for them. The players looked motivated as they made their way out of the hall, with fans running after them for autographs and pictures. It was a day to cherish and a distinct honour to be a part of this event and would be something I will look back with sentimental affection for many years to come.

Discuss!