For British Pakistanis, cricket is a bridge that connects them to their heritage while they proudly embrace their British identity. When it comes to the cricketing world of England and Wales, British Pakistanis stand out not just for their love of the game, but for the unwavering support many show for the Pakistani cricket team, even when facing England.
At the heart of this phenomenon that might seem like a paradoxical allegiance on the surface, there lies a deep-rooted connection to Pakistan, a connection nurtured through family ties, cultural traditions, and a love for the game which stems from being British AND Pakistani.
For many British Pakistanis, cricket is more than just a pastime; it's a way of preserving their heritage and staying connected to their roots. It serves as the one part of their identity that is a common thread between their two communities.
But what about their allegiance to the British nation? Contrary to misconceptions, supporting Pakistan in cricket doesn't diminish their pride in being British citizens. Instead, it enriches their cultural mosaic, allowing them to embrace multiple identities without conflict.
Just as one can cherish their Italian heritage while rooting for England in football, British Pakistanis can celebrate their Pakistani roots while cheering for their other half in other spaces of life.
What cements this feeling further for myself is reminiscing about the ECB’s tape ball event in Birmingham that took place in April, for me it was a wonderful example of communities coming together to celebrate an accessible form of the game, with its roots in South Asian countries.
British Pakistanis like myself played in unison with players from different communities, including big names like Heather Knight, Dawid Malan, Jamie Goodwin and proud British Pakistani and England player Adil Rashid, binding the many communities together to celebrate the sport.
However, in talking about cricket it would be a disservice if we didn’t speak about the colonial history of the sport in the Indian subcontinent. Introduced by the British, cricket became a symbol of prestige and pride for the colonisers. Over time, however, it evolved into a tool for resistance and cultural assertion for the colonised.
With that being said, for some British Pakistanis supporting Pakistan in cricket is not just about sports; it's a reclaiming of a narrative once dominated by colonial powers.
Furthermore, the diaspora experience adds another layer of complexity to their cricketing identity. As members of the Pakistani diaspora, British Pakistanis navigate between multiple cultures, languages, and traditions on a daily basis.
Cricket serves as a familiar refuge, a space where they can express themselves freely without fear of judgment or scrutiny. In the arena they can support their British half by showing their love for the game, while simultaneously don the colours of Pakistan in tribute to their homeland.
It's also essential to recognise that sporting allegiances are deeply personal and often shaped by individual experiences rather than rigid nationalistic boundaries. For some British Pakistanis, supporting Pakistan in cricket is a way of honoring their parents' and grandparents' love for the game, passed down through generations.
For others it’s the one moment they can passionately show the world their Pakistani heritage. With this in mind, I am excited to attend the England v Pakistan women’s cricket match in Edgbaston on May 11 to kickstart an exciting season.
Let the games begin.
Unzela Khan Sheikh is HuffPost UK’s Parents Editor. She previously worked as the Race and Diversity Editor for MyLondon and has written for Glamour Magazine, Metro UK, Daily Mirror and Gal-Dem Magazine.