Youth enjoy night cricket during Ramazan

Islamabad
After offering 'Taraweeh' prayers during Ramazan, most of the people have a lie-down before waking up for pre-dawn meal to keep fast.
However, cricket enthusiasts, mostly youth, in Islamabad and Rawalpindi opt to play the game in parks, streets and open areas under lights. Nighttime cricket tournaments, too, are organised in some areas during the fasting month.
“We all love playing cricket and doing so under lights is really entertaining,” said Khaqan Jan before getting ready to field during a match in a Dhoke Kala Khan, Rawalpindi, ground.
The man in his 30s later said night matches were regularly organised during Ramazan and besides players, some local philanthropists too made contributions for them. There are many, who play cricket under streetlights, for being unable to bear the lighting expenses.
Among them is Muhammad Muzzamil, who plays his favourite sport with friends every Ramazan night alongside the well-lit Metro bus tracks near Allama Iqbal Open University, H-8 Campus, Islamabad.
“We come here after offering 'Taraweeh' and play the game until 'Sehri' (the time to start fast). The losing team has to offer members of the winning team cold drinks and snacks. All this healthy and fun-filled activity is much better than sleep,” he said. He said people from the neighbourhood also showed up to watch matches in large numbers.