My dad loves Pakistan cricket. The first Pakistan game I remember watching with him on TV was our first game in the 1992 World Cup against the West Indies (let’s not talk about the result), and I was hooked for life! I remember all the highs and lows of this tournament like it was yesterday. My teacher had given me the day off from school to watch the final against England. It was Ramadan during this World Cup, so my family and I woke up for Sehri to close our fasts and then we watched 11 cornered tigers making history!

That same year, Pakistan toured England and my dad took me and my brother to our 1st game at Headingley and I was mesmerized. Seeing an international match live for the first time, I couldn’t believe how far back Moin Khan had to stand to keep wicket to the fiery pace of Waqar Younis! The memories I have of this day are just amazing…the singing and dancing with the passionate Pakistan fans as we went through a multitude of emotions together, the banter with the English fans, and even meeting Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis!

Since then every time Pakistan toured England, my family and I went to a game. I started painting my face with various designs of the green and white of the Pakistan flag, and my outfit evolved from tour to tour.

Just before the 1999 World cup, my sister was clearing out some of her son’s toys and there was a pair of big Hulk gloves. Obviously they’re green so I thought I’ll hold onto these. The 1999 World Cup was the birth of my “Hulkistan” character as I put the Hulk gloves together with the rest of my outfit from head to toe, and toured England with friends to go to all of Pakistan’s games. Helping to lead the best fans in the world (it’s true, I did an official survey 😃) to be the invaluable 12th man to motivate the 11 players on the field is something I take great pride in. The unrivalled atmosphere that we create captivates everyone, leading to fans from all over the world flocking to wherever we are in the ground to sing Dil Dil Pakistan with us.