In Pakistan Ramadan and cricket go together. During the holy month for Muslims, men entertain themselves by playing cricket all night long. Many don't stop until it's time for Sehr – the meal eaten before dawn, when the fast begins. A whole culture of Ramadan cricket has emerged and taken hold.

Lahore

In Pakistan, the holy month of Ramadan is not only a time for fasting and spiritual reflection but also for engaging in one of the nation's most beloved sports: cricket. Throughout Ramadan, men across the country partake in night-long cricket matches, immersing themselves in the game until the early hours of the morning. This tradition continues until it's time for Sehr, the pre-dawn meal that signifies the beginning of the day's fast.

This nighttime sporting activity has given rise to a unique culture of Ramadan cricket in Pakistan. Streets and open spaces transform into informal cricket grounds, where players of all ages come together under the night sky. The phenomenon reflects the deep connection between the sport and Pakistani societal traditions, especially during the holy month.



Night cricket star of the Pakistani streets during Ramadan

After breaking the fast, streets in the old city of Lahore lit up. Every night, in the holy month of Ramadan, this group of friends get together to play cricket, the most famous sport in Pakistan. Like many others, they play until dawn, stopping just before sehr, the meal consumed ahead of daytime fasting. During the day, we sleep as we are fasting, and we wake up late afternoon to break the fast. Then in the night, all the friends and neighbours get together to play cricket. It's very nice. The auntie in the house behind said, don't play cricket, it is noisy. We faced many difficulties. Our ball went to this house and they did not give it back. Then another ball went to the house in the front, they also refused. So every day we had to buy a new ball. Some cricket enthusiasts even go one step ahead, organising Ramadan tournaments with makeshift floodlights. The sport has been modified, a taped tennis ball replaces the hard and expensive cricket ball. This evening, 170 players are competing. The winner takes home a cash prize equivalent to 130 euros. The event is even broadcasted live on social media. During Ramadan, after work, I play cricket. Most people play at night because either they have work or they are fasting. And the trend of Ramadan cricket is growing because even people who are busy during the day can play good quality competitive cricket. Women are barred from playing on the streets. Determined players have to find proper cricket grounds. These young girls train with their coach on the sidelines of an immature cricket match. Agna is 16 years old. She has been training for eight months. In Pakistan, it's very difficult to bring girls and come play in the streets. They don't agree. Even if they agree, their family won't allow them to play in the streets. From many other people's neighbours especially, why are you playing cricket at night, especially in Ramadan? You know, girls have to do things in the kitchen and stuff. They will taunt you for sure. You know, society doesn't accept girls playing cricket in the streets. So then we need a proper place to play. Agna trains almost every night. Her goal is to win a tournament reserved for girls that takes place at the end of the month.

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