Pakistan v England: Special tour feels like cricket has come home - Aatif Nawaz

England, my home, against Pakistan, my heritage, for the very first time in Pakistan in 17 years.

Since Pakistan Test cricket resumed in 2019, many teams have toured the country. Sri Lanka, South Africa South, Australia, West Indies. But something about it The England tour felt... special.

From adulation towards England stars to anticipation of seeing 'Bazball' unfold before their very eyes, the sense of excitement among Pakistani fans was palpable throughout.

Several locals showed their appreciation for the English players, no ment James Anderson and his legendary career. signs thanking the England team for their visit.

My favorite moment was with the fans in Fazal Mahmood's Multan Belting enclosure sang "Harry, Harry, Harry", as batter Harry Brook was stationed on the border.

It's no surprise that Brook was the subject of such adulation by Pakistani crowds. The memories of his century for the Qalandars of Lahore in the previous edition of the Pakistani Super League are still fresh in mind. And he seemed genuinely touched to have seen the metal statue of himself outside Multan Stadium.

These are the same players who have plagued the home team throughout this series. Still, home fans showed immense appreciation for good cricket, generously applauding the opposition's milestones and wickets.

It's quite remarkable to think that despite seeing England take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, the home fans are still delighted to see them, to catch a glimpse of the stars and to show them their appreciation for their visit.

And this appreciation was returned by the fans on tour from England. I visited the Inzamam-ul-Haq compound in Multan, where many fans visiting England shared stories of fans staying with local families, receiving gifts or vendors simply refusing to accept their money because they are guests.