Vikrant Gupta visits Pakistan, praises hospitality and cricket culture

Renowned Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta was visiting Pakistan, where he was reviewing the preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy and experiencing the local cricket culture firsthand. During his visit, he has been warmly welcomed by Pakistani fans and has witnessed the admiration they hold for Indian cricketers.

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Gupta shared his experiences and noted that he was most surprised by the immense admiration Pakistani fans have for Indian cricketers, especially Virat Kohli. He observed young boys in Lahore wearing Kohli’s number 18 jersey, which, in his view, reflects how cricket surpasses political tensions.

Commenting on the Indian team’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup 2023, Gupta stated that such decisions are made at the governmental level. However, he argued that if journalists and citizens can visit each other’s countries, players should also be given the opportunity to do so.

Gupta compared this admiration to the 1980s and 1990s when Indian fans were equally passionate about Pakistani cricketers like Imran Khan and Wasim Akram. He stated that Pakistanis not only recognize the talent of Indian cricketers but also appreciate their consistency and dedication to the game. While roaming the streets of Lahore, fans asked him about Virat Kohli’s fitness secrets and Rohit Sharma’s timing technique, indicating the keen interest of Pakistani fans in Indian cricket.

Speaking on Pakistan’s cricketing passion, Gupta noted that while the love for the sport remains strong, the enthusiasm seen in past decades has somewhat diminished. He remarked that Pakistan’s fast bowlers, batting lineup, and leadership were at their peak in the past, but since 2000, India has taken the lead. He stressed that Pakistan has no shortage of talent but needs to work on infrastructure and grassroots development to regain its golden era.

Gupta also acknowledged the role of social media in bridging gaps between the people of India and Pakistan. Unlike earlier times when news was only available through mainstream media, social media now provides a direct platform for people to share their emotions and thoughts.

During his visit, Gupta was warmly welcomed by Pakistanis and described his trip as an unforgettable experience. He remarked that while political tensions have kept the two nations apart, there is still love among the people. He expressed optimism that if both governments work toward resolving their differences, bilateral cricket series could resume in the future.

Despite facing some criticism in India for his visit, Gupta defended his stance, stating that a journalist’s duty is to highlight the truth and positive aspects. He also shed light on the negative impact of social media, where hatred is often amplified, and urged people from both countries to focus on understanding and fostering positive interactions.

During his visit, Gupta also observed that the popularity of Indian films and actors in Pakistan is longstanding. Recalling his first visit in 2004, he noted that back then, Indian songs were commonly used as ringtones. He mentioned Sanjay Dutt’s film 'Munna Bhai MBBS', which was a massive hit in Pakistan at the time. According to Gupta, streaming platforms like Netflix have ensured that Pakistani audiences continue to enjoy Indian films even today.

Despite not considering himself a foodie, Vikrant Gupta became a fan of Pakistani cuisine. He particularly enjoyed simple treats like roasted sweet potatoes (shakarkandi) and sugarcane chunks (ganderi), which reminded him of his childhood. During a dinner at a local restaurant, he praised Pakistani biryani and other traditional dishes. He was overwhelmed by the hospitality of Pakistani fans, who not only took selfies with him but even brought him bags of sugarcane the next day. “Everywhere I went, people insisted that I eat, and I had to tell them not to overfeed me, or my clothes would get tight,” he joked.

Despite his tight schedule, he managed to buy some gifts for his family, including traditional Pakistani suits and khussay (handcrafted leather shoes).

Gupta also shared his surprise at the efficiency of the Pakistani visa process, which took only three to four days. Given the usual complexities of obtaining a visa between India and Pakistan, he had not expected to receive it so quickly. Once his visa was cleared on a Friday, he immediately planned his trip from Dubai to Pakistan. His primary goal was to assess the preparations for the Champions Trophy and gauge the sentiments of the Pakistani people.

During his time in Lahore, he visited Gaddafi Stadium, where he last set foot in 2006. While the stadium’s facilities were top-notch at that time, he noted that in recent years, concerns had been raised about it being outdated. However, he was impressed by the renovations done for the Champions Trophy, praising Pakistan for the high-quality upgrades despite the delayed start to the renovation work.

Gupta concluded his visit by expressing gratitude for the love and respect he received in Pakistan. He reiterated that sports have the power to unite, and he hopes to see improved relations between India and Pakistan through cricket in the future.

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