Cricket stars send Independence Day wishes to Pakistan

Pakistan’s cricket fraternity joined the nation in celebrating its 78th Independence Day on Thursday, with heartfelt messages from current players and former greats.

Star batter Babar Azam shared an inspiring note on unity, faith, and discipline — values he said form the backbone of Pakistan.

“Unity, faith, and discipline — these are not just words, they are our strength. 14th August reminds us that Pakistan was built when hearts beat together, when faith never wavered, and when discipline turned dreams into reality. If we stand united today, no challenge can break us tomorrow. Pakistan belongs to all of us, and we all belong to Pakistan. Happy Independence Day,” Babar wrote.

Former captain Shahid Afridi addressed the country’s youth with an emotional message: “O the youth of my country. This country is because of you. This garden fragrant with the fragrance of sacrifices. Your dreams are waiting for your action.”

Top-order batter Fakhar Zaman conveyed his wishes, writing: “Our love for Pakistan fuels our drive to dream bigger and achieve more. May this passion always inspire us. Happy Independence Day, Pakistan! 🇵🇰”

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi wrote on social media: “I carry my nation in my heart and its flag in my soul. Today, we salute 78 years of unyielding courage, unbreakable unity, and sacrifices that shaped our destiny. Pakistan is our pride, our power, our eternal flame. May we protect it, honor it, and raise its flag higher every day. Happy Independence Day! 🇵🇰”

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board shared a video on social media in which Pakistan players and coach Mike Hesson extended Independence Day wishes, with the caption: “Happy Independence Day! Members of the Pakistan men's team extend wishes to every citizen on Independence Day 🇵🇰.”

The messages came shortly after Pakistan returned from their white-ball tour of the West Indies, where they won the T20I series 2-1 under Salman Ali Agha’s captaincy but lost the ODI series.

Pakistan’s next assignments include the tri-nation T20I series against Afghanistan and the UAE later this month, followed by the ACC Asia Cup 2025 from September 9 to 28.