Story time: The turning point

The Turning Point

By Ayesha Asif

You may have come across many non-fiction stories, but I promise this one is different. It's about a girl named Ayesha, a studious girl who rarely paid attention to sports. Her father, on the other hand, was a passionate cricketer and played cricket at a national level. Ayesha was never interested in cricket; she didn't even know that there were six balls in one over. How extreme!

Although she never had much interest in cricket, she would accompany her father to his games. Her father was the captain, and he would wicket-keep and motivate his teammates behind the stumps. Ayesha did not understand much, but she loved watching and basking in the warmth of the sun.

On a seemingly ordinary June day, Ayesha's family, along with the rest of the country, woke up buzzing with excitement. The atmosphere of every home, including Ayesha's, was full of patriotism. It was the day of the match between Pakistan and its rival: India. Not only was it a match, but it was the final of the ICC Champions trophy 2017 (CT17) in London, England.

People of both the nations, including Ayesha's father and uncle who both supported Pakistan, were eager for the match to begin. As the match started, her uncle asked Ayesha, 

"Who is going to win tonight?"

Ayesha answered, "Pakistan will lose definitely and India is going to be the winner."

However, Ayesha was wrong! The Pakistani team proved unpredictable as they emerged as the winner of the final of CT17 against India and were crowned champions. News and celebrations broke out across the country and pride for their beloved country surged amongst the Pakistanis.When Ayesha saw the news of Pakistan's win, she secretly felt embarrassed about her previous statement. Instead of being sad, she decided that that day would change everything. It was turning point of her life!

She started following cricket the very next day, never missing a match, and not only watching them but also writing about them. She became the craziest cricket lover, and decided that cricket must have been in her genes. Her love for the game and for the Pakistani cricket team grew each day until cricket became her lifeline.

This passionate girl was none other than myself. Since June 18th 2017, I have been in love with cricket. Cricket is in the heart. Life gives me Cricket and Cricket gives me life.

The first time I watched cricket, I saw a player batting; he was number 9, and I discovered that he was Imad Wasim. I quickly decided that he was my favorite cricketer; not only my hero, but also my inspiration.

As time passed, more cricketers entered my list of favorites, such as Imam UL Haq, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat and many more. I really admire and support all my cricketing heroes because they are the pride of our country.

For a long time, I have wished to meet the whole cricket team. The game has now become my passion and everybody knows me as the Cricket Lover. Many people think that cricket is a sport for boys. I disagree; I think cricket is a sport for everyone, and we as a nation must support our girls so that they can lead in the field of sports as well.

I would like to end with a quote:

"Side by side or miles apart,

Cricket is always connected to my heart."

E-Minds Magazine

Credits: Rahmah Malik