Dawn Images

Academy Award winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has collaborated with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to mark 70 years of cricket in Pakistan with the release of a documentary that chronicles the nation's long history with the game.

Produced by SOC Films under Obaid-Chinoy, the short film recounts the highs and lows in Pakistan cricket, beginning with Pakistan’s debut match in 1952 and eventually leading up to the creation of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Some key moments shown in the film include Pakistan winning a Test match on their inaugural tour of England in 1954, the emergence of Imran Khan in the 1970s, Pakistan winning the 1992 ODI World Cup, and some dark days of the early 2000s.

The documentary pays tribute to those "trail blazers whose performances put Pakistan firmly on the sporting map, as well as those players who carried a torch to ensure that no cricketing tournament is ever complete without the Green Shirts".

Viewers will have the chance to see rare images and footage, shot at a time when cricket was solely experienced through commentary on the radio. The narration throughout the film has been done by PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja whose association with the film was "both a moment of pride and nostalgia" for him. My personal journey is intertwined with Pakistani cricket and I feel blessed to be able to positively contribute in all the various roles that I have had over the years to date,” he said.

Obaid-Chinoy was thrilled to have played a role in the project as well. “Pakistan’s passion for cricket is unmatched," she said. "As a fan of our team, I too have gone through the rollercoaster of emotions that are a trademark of our association with this sport. Therefore, it was a joy to be able to tell this story and share it with the world.”

The film will be screened on multiple TV channels, as well as in stadiums for the duration of PSL 7 from today (January 27).