India did not send its cricket team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy. However, senior Indian sports journalists visited Lahore. They returned with vivid memories.
In Dubai, journalists covered India’s matches at a 50-over tournament. Despite all games being hosted in Dubai, they applied for a Pakistan visa. Gupta, who traveled to Pakistan with the team in 2004 and 2006, already knew the experience. Moreover, he is a popular cricket show host on Aaj Tak. He has earned many fans in Pakistan.
In contrast, Naz sought to connect with his roots. He wrote the cricket book Miracle Men: The Greatest Underdog Story in Cricket. Consequently, he wished to learn about a Punjab town. His grandparents had walked for 13 days during the 1947 partition. They crossed extreme conditions to start a new life in India.
After their visas were stamped in New Delhi, they flew to Dubai. They covered India’s first two matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan. Later, they used a seven-day gap between matches to visit Lahore. This occurred between a match on February 23 and another on March 2.
Initially, the Indian sports journalists were uncertain. However, they soon received warm welcomes from Pakistani fans. Gupta said his third visit to Pakistan was the most memorable. He mentioned that mutual admiration had always existed between India and Pakistan. Furthermore, the long gap in matches intensified the fans’ excitement. He added that their passion for Indian players was unprecedented.
During a three-day stay, the journalists were invited to several TV shows. On one show, former Pakistan cricketers discussed their family roots. Naz felt the program was interesting because he shared Pakistani ancestry. In another show, Naz appeared with Pakistani cricket stalwarts. He mentioned his grandparents’ hometown in Bhera, Punjab. Almost immediately, he received messages on Instagram. Locals sent details and pictures of the area. One person even offered a warm welcome for his mother.
Naz felt overwhelmed by the hospitality. He stated that Punjabi hospitality was familiar in India. However, the Pakistani version was extraordinary. He described the experience as a warm, personal connection. It stirred deep emotions. Meanwhile, his feelings grew stronger.
Naz recalled his family history with vivid detail. His paternal grandmother recounted a 13-day trek during partition. In refugee camps, his grandparents had uncertain beginnings. Now, Naz plans another visit. He hopes to bring his mother next time. She wishes to see her ancestral home and visit sacred Gurdwaras.
Thus, the visit deepened personal connections and cultural exchange. Moreover, it showcased the vibrant bond between India and Pakistan. The experience reinforced the importance of people-to-people contact.
