Pakistan cricket's superfan Muhammad Ismail completes 20 years of documenting team's history

Muhammad Ismail, a driver from Mianwali, has been passionately documenting Pakistan national cricket team's matches since 2004. What began as a hobby has evolved into an extensive record of the team's performances in ODI, Test, and T20 matches.

Initially, he owned a shop in Rawalpindi where he began documenting the team's performances.

"I started keeping records of all Pakistan cricket team's matches on a register," Ismail explained to Independent Urdu. 

"I used to buy newspapers after the match, which had the results and pictures of the Pakistan cricket team's matches, and stick them on the register," he added.

As the pages filled up, Ismail would add new ones, binding them together. Initially, the superfan compiled records while watching TV, later relying on newspapers, and now utilises his mobile phone to stay updated.

When asked about his favorite players, Ismail said the entire Pakistan team is his favourite but, "I especially like Muhammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Shah Afridi."

Imran further said that he wants to be recognised as a cricket fan of the national side globally.

His selfless devotion has resulted in an invaluable archive, chronicling the highs and lows of Pakistani cricket.

Ismail's remarkable undertaking serves as an inspiration to fellow cricket enthusiasts, demonstrating the power of passion and dedication. 

Through his meticulous documentation, Ismail has created a unique piece of Pakistani cricket history.