Karachi: The celebrations which had followed Pakistan's 1992 World Cup win were relived as Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed was given a rapturous welcome here on his return from London with the Champions Trophy.
From the moment he came out of the Karachi International Airport in the wee hours of today, hundreds of fans surrounded him and flooded him with flower bouquets as he was taken home in official protocol provided by the Sindh government.
Hundreds of fans stayed up late and lined the streets and followed his car from the airport to his residence where the entire streets were lined up with people eager to get a glimpse of the trophy and Sarfraz.
The scenes were similar to those witnessed when Pakistani players returned home after winning the 1992 World Cup.
But whereas 25 years ago the entire Pakistan team had returned home together, Sarfraz and pacer Rumaan Raees landed in Karachi while some of the other players reached their home destination.
Sarfraz had to come out on the balcony of his home holding high the trophy as hundreds of fans lined up in the streets outside and near his residence chanted Pakistan Zindabad as patriotic songs were also played.
Some even climbed on rooftops and balconies to catch a glimpse of their winning captain who shouted out loud that this trophy belonged to the people of Pakistan.
From the airport to Sarfraz's residence, fans had also brought a special 70-foot long national flag and carried it in the street as Sarfraz drove home. The captain later said the victory was most memorable.
