The Cricket World Cup in England is a festival of diversity

A sudden roar broke out, spreading like wildfire around Lord’s as pictures on the big screen appeared to show the turf denying South Africa’s Imran Tahir a clean catch.

To the delight of fans around the ground, Fakhar Zaman had been granted a reprieved. The Home of Cricket was painted Pakistan green for the day.

Despite receiving the majority of support as their team fought for World Cup survival, it was this moment that galvanised the dozens of pockets of fans from all corners of the ground.

Damp conditions and plucky, patient innings with ball bettering bat have hindered this carnival of cricket somewhat. It has meant that the ever-reliable enthusiasm of the Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh fans have been relied upon to ensure the Cricket World Cup remains one of sport’s most wonderful sights.

It’s not just noise either, there’s personality too. As demonstrated after Haris Sohail found his groove in the middle, perking up just as South Africa began to stem Pakistan’s momentum with a disciplined spell of bowling.

His punchy shot back towards the pavilion forced Kagiso Rabada to spin and frantically set off in pursuit. Unable to save the boundary, he tumbled into the rope, sparking laughter from the Pakistan fans a few feet away.

Collectively, the subcontinent nations have sprinkled some life around the grounds of England and Wales and will continue to secure partial home advantage, providing an extra layer to an always fascinating, balanced tournament.

Generations of cricket fans have been to each ground too, seemingly some without a hope of snapping up a ticket and content with both creating and soaking up the atmosphere.

While England’s home advantage may be somewhat weakened by the diverse fan base in this country, it is precisely this diversity that will have played a part in its appeal as a host nation.

Mohammad Amir trotted in to deliver the final, meaningless ball of the match on Sunday, with his side having long since clinched victory – eventually winning by 49 runs. That was far from the final memory for most Pakistan fans though, who celebrated on the streets of north London long after.

And long may it continue, with the World Cup providing a wonderful mixture of diversity, inclusion and passion for all involved.

Yours,

Jack Rathborn

Sports journalist