How Cricket’s Popularity Overshadowed Pakistan’s National Sport?

Introduction

When someone asks, “What is the most popular sport in Pakistan?” the answer is usually cricket. But did you know that cricket is not Pakistan’s national sport? The national sport of Pakistan is actually field hockey. Surprised? Many people are.

Cricket dominates headlines, TV screens, and even street corners, while hockey quietly fades into the background. This shift didn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of decades of changing interests, exposure, and priorities.

So how did cricket become so popular that it completely overshadowed field hockey? Why do most Pakistanis know Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, or Wasim Akram but not Sohail Abbas or Hassan Sardar—legends of Pakistan hockey? Let’s explore this journey in detail, understand the rise of cricket, the fall of hockey, and what this says about sports culture in Pakistan.

What is Pakistan’s National Sport?

According to official records, field hockey is Pakistan’s national sport. It has been associated with Pakistan’s golden sports history. The country was once the best hockey-playing nation in the world, winning multiple Olympic gold medals and World Cups. Some of the best moments in Pakistan’s sports history come from hockey, not cricket.

Hockey brought international recognition to Pakistan long before cricket rose to fame. It helped shape national pride in the early decades after independence, uniting people through thrilling victories on the world stage.

Legends of the game were once treated as national heroes, and hockey stadiums used to be packed with cheering crowds waving green and white flags.

Achievements in Field Hockey:

·       3 Olympic Gold Medals (1960, 1968, 1984)

·       4 World Cup Titles (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994)

·       Dozens of Asian Games and Champions Trophy medals

·       Produced legendary players like Shahbaz Ahmed, Hassan Sardar, and Sohail Abbas

Despite all this, hockey has slowly faded from the spotlight. Today, many young Pakistanis don’t even know these names. Meanwhile, cricket is treated almost like a religion. Why did this happen?

The Rise of Cricket in Pakistan

To understand why cricket became more popular than hockey, we need to go back in time.

Cricket’s Early Days

Cricket was introduced to the Indian subcontinent by the British. After the partition in 1947, Pakistan formed its own cricket board and started building a team. The Pakistan cricket team played its first Test match in 1952 against India.

A Nation United by Cricket

The turning point came in the 1970s and 1980s when players like Imran Khan, Zaheer Abbas, and Javed Miandad brought cricket success and international recognition to Pakistan.

Then came the biggest moment in Pakistan’s cricket history: The 1992 Cricket World Cup victory. Led by Imran Khan, Pakistan won the tournament against all odds. This victory changed everything. Cricket was no longer just a sport—it became a symbol of pride, unity, and hope for the nation.

Why Did Cricket Overtake Hockey?

Now let’s break down the main reasons why cricket overtook field hockey in popularity.

1. Media Coverage and TV Broadcasts

Cricket has always received better media coverage. Big cricket matches are broadcast live on TV, radio, and now on streaming apps. Hockey games, on the other hand, are rarely shown, and even when they are, they don't get much attention.

During the 1990s, when TVs became more common in homes, people naturally watched whatever was being broadcast more—cricket. This media exposure gave cricket a huge advantage.

2. Hero Culture

Cricket produced superstars that young people looked up to—Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and later Shahid Afridi and Babar Azam. These players became household names, appeared in ads, interviews, and even movies.

In comparison, hockey stars remained low profile. Many great hockey players never got the recognition they deserved.

3. More International Matches

Cricket is played more regularly at the international level. A top team like Pakistan plays dozens of matches every year—Test matches, ODIs, and T20s.

Hockey, on the other hand, doesn’t have as many tournaments. This means fewer opportunities for players to shine, and less excitement for fans.

4. T20 Leagues Like PSL

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has added a new dimension to cricket. It brings fans from all over the country together to support different franchises. PSL is full of glamour, media attention, and social media buzz.

There is no equivalent league for hockey in Pakistan. This has kept the sport in the shadows.

5. Better Infrastructure for Cricket

In recent years, the government and private sponsors have invested more in cricket infrastructure—new stadiums, academies, and training centers.

Hockey has suffered due to lack of funding, poor management, and fewer training facilities. As a result, talented young athletes often choose cricket over hockey.

6. Family and Social Influence

Ask any Pakistani child what they want to be when they grow up, and many will say “cricketer.” That’s because cricket is celebrated at every level—family gatherings, schools, colleges, and social media.

Parents also encourage children to pursue cricket because they believe it has more career potential. Hockey doesn’t offer the same level of fame or financial rewards.

The Fall of Hockey: A Closer Look

While cricket soared to new heights in Pakistan, field hockey experienced a steady and painful decline. Once the pride of the nation, hockey has struggled to maintain its relevance in modern times. Let’s break down the major factors behind this downfall.

Internal Issues

·       Poor selection policies

·       Corruption and lack of professionalism in the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF)

·       No long-term plan for talent development

·       Outdated coaching methods

Lack of Facilities

Many schools and cities don’t even have proper hockey fields anymore. Without facilities, how can new talent emerge?

Global Shift in the Game

International hockey has changed too. The game has become faster and more technical. Many countries invested in artificial turf and modern training methods. Pakistan couldn’t keep up with these changes.

Poor Domestic Structure

In cricket, domestic tournaments like the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and PSL help identify and polish talent. But hockey in Pakistan lacks a robust, competitive domestic league.

·       The local hockey league system is inconsistent

·       Matches are poorly organized and rarely broadcast

·       There are limited incentives for young players to pursue hockey professionally

Without a vibrant domestic circuit, it’s hard for players to develop or gain the experience needed for the international level.

Recent Performance

Performance plays a big role in the public interest. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s national hockey team has consistently underperformed on the world stage in recent years.

·       Pakistan failed to qualify for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics

·       The team did not make it to the FIH Hockey World Cup 2023

·       Losses against lower-ranked teams have become more common

These poor results have caused fans to lose hope and turn their attention elsewhere—mostly toward cricket, where Pakistan continues to perform on the global stage.

Cricket as a Social and Cultural Icon

Cricket is more than a sport in Pakistan—it’s a cultural identity.

·       A big match, especially against India, stops the entire country.

·       Wedding celebrations, Eid holidays, and national days often include cricket.

·       Even in the streets, you’ll see kids playing cricket in narrow alleys, with makeshift bats and stumps.

No other sport enjoys this level of popularity or emotional connection.

Impact on Other Sports

Cricket’s dominance has also affected other sports besides hockey. Sports like football, squash, athletics, and wrestling have all received less attention.

This is unfortunate because Pakistan once had legends in other sports too, like:

·       Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan (squash)

·       Mohammad Younis and Shabana Akhtar (athletics)

·       Kaleemullah Khan (football)

A healthy sports culture should support multiple sports, not just one.

Can Hockey Make a Comeback?

All is not lost. Hockey can still be revived, but it will take effort, planning, and support.

Here’s what can be done:

1. Government Investment

The government needs to treat hockey as an important sport again. Funding should be increased for grassroots programs, school competitions, and regional tournaments.

2. Revamp the PHF

The Pakistan Hockey Federation must become more professional. Honest leadership, proper selection, and modern training methods are crucial.

3. Launch a Hockey League

A local franchise-based hockey league, similar to the PSL, can bring fans, sponsors, and players back to the game.

4. Media and Marketing

Television and digital media must promote hockey. Feature interviews with players, show matches live, and create documentaries about the golden days of Pakistani hockey.

5. School and College Level Promotion

Make hockey part of school curriculums. Arrange inter-school and inter-college competitions. Encourage young talent early.

A Balanced Sports Future

While cricket’s success is something to be proud of, it should not come at the cost of other sports. A balanced sports culture:

·       Creates more job opportunities

·       Encourages fitness and healthy competition

·       Builds national pride across multiple platforms

Pakistan has the potential to shine in many sports. It just needs vision, investment, and consistency.

Conclusion

Cricket’s rise in Pakistan has been phenomenal—it has united the country, produced global icons, and given countless memorable moments. But in doing so, it has overshadowed field hockey, the very sport that once brought the most glory to Pakistan.

We must not forget our national sport. Field hockey deserves attention, respect, and revival. With the right steps, it can once again become a source of pride for the nation. Let’s celebrate cricket—but also remember the importance of our roots, and the sport that first made Pakistan a giant in the world of sports.