Barmy Army travelled to Pakistan to support their team in the Test series

Everyone in the cricketing world is aware of the Barmy Army. They are almost synonymous with England cricket. The group is arguably the most vocal and loyal fan base of any team in the cricketing world. They are well-organised and travel to support their team wherever they play.

Established in the mid-1990s, Barmy Army has grown into something massive. England cricket never feels away from home even when playing in alien conditions as this army of fans is always present to cheer the Three Lions.

It all started with three men, David Peacock, Paul Burnham and Gareth Evans, travelling to Australia during England’s 1994/95 Ashes tour with 30 backpackers.

They stayed in hostels for the games and from there, they have grown into a world-famous group of cricket fans. They are recognised and welcomed across all cricketing venues, and as they have the expertise for managing tours, they have the best advice for the members and followers of England cricket.

They always make their presence felt at every venue and are often regarded as the ’12th man’ of the England team. They are famous for coming up with songs for every occasion, be it a half-century, a hundred, a wicket, a loss, a win or even specific players.

They are so organised that they issue memberships of various kinds that have different perks and facilities.

Recently, England had a historic tour to Pakistan for the first time since 2005, where they redefined Test cricket and knocked the opposition down 3-0.

Where there were hardly any local spectators in the stadiums during the action-packed contests, it was Barmy Army members who kept the atmosphere warm.

Bol News talked to some of the soldiers of the Barmy Army when they toured Pakistan with the England team.

Andy Thompson, the tour manager of the Barmy Army, identified Pakistan cricket fans as warmer and more generous compared to cricket enthusiasts from any other part of the world.

“I think in contrast to other cricket supporters in the world, Pakistan cricket fans are warmer and generous. They applaud the England team for whatever they did,” said Thompson while talking to Bol News when he was visiting the country. “They don’t leave until their favourite batsman gets out, they stay and watch the presentation ceremony with patience. They are knowledgeable. Everything about them is positive.”

The England fan hoped that there were more than fewer fans in the stands but is optimistic that they will grow in numbers when they will visit them again in the future.

“The perception we had [about Pakistan] has completely changed,” he maintained.

Meanwhile, William Walsh, a 64-year-old England supporter, is a part of the Barmy Army since 2012. He was cheering for his team at the venue when England defeated India in Kolkata. However, he feels it was a totally different experience to visit Pakistan.

“This is my first visit to Pakistan and I had a great time here. It is totally different from the western world,” he mentioned. “The people here have been very helpful as I got a sore leg, they help me get upstairs. They are friendly and also have a good understanding of cricket. All in all, it has been superb.”

William liked England’s new approach in Test cricket under the leadership of Ben Stokes and the coaching of Brendon McCullum but cautioned that it may not work every time.

“A good thing if we can attack as much as possible but cautiously by not getting reckless,” he opined. “It is exciting and attracts more people towards the game. At the same time, there is a time and place for this brand of cricket and it won’t work every day.”

Meanwhile, he hoped Pakistan would improve after suffering such a hammering defeat in their backyard.

“It’s a shame Pakistan were not competitive. It’s great that we won 3-0, but we would like to see Pakistan play better and be stronger. They will improve for sure as they are not far behind other Test-playing nations,” the 64-year-old stated.

On the other hand, Simon Finch, a trumpet player for the Barmy Army, loves Test cricket, which pushed him to take up this role.

“I am a fan of Test cricket, the real cricket. It’s a test of your character, skill, technique and endurance,” he said.  “It’s also a test for the fans to see for five days. I joined [Barmy Army] because the former trumpet player, Billy Cooper, stepped down after doing it for 15 years. I love playing trumpet and cricket.”

Simon shared that he loved how Pakistani fans watch and enjoy cricket, adding that they support the opposition’s players as well which is not a common sight.

“Pakistanis are very friendly. We felt very safe here,” he said. “The fans here support both teams. There are a lot of Jimmy Anderson and Ben Stokes fans in the country, which is lovely to see.”

The trumpet player further elaborated that each city in the country has a different vibe and culture, which was amazing to experience.

“Each venue has its own feel. Rawalpindi was different, it had a great hotel, a brilliant environment and culture. Meanwhile, Multan looked like a Pakistan with no foreigners. Then Karachi is a modern city and the only downside is the polluted air. Biryani is amazing, Maash ki Daal. I don’t like eating much meat but the food is amazing.”

The historic England tour ended in disappointment for Pakistan cricket and its fans. At the same time, Simon will always cherish the memories he made on his visit to the cricket-mad country.

“I feel privileged to be on this momentous tour. England are playing for the first time since 2005. Being part of the tour is pretty special. I witnessed England scoring 500 on the first day of the Rawalpindi Test, I will look back and tell my children and grandchildren that I was there”

He believes that other teams will soon follow England’s brand of Test cricket. “I like the traditional style of red-ball cricket but I like this too. I don’t think England will step back from this approach and other teams will also follow.”