A refreshing blend of humor, friendship, and cricket intellect has become the defining feature of “The Pavilion,” a Pakistani talk show that is captivating audiences worldwide with its pure, unadulterated love for the sport. With four ex-captains of Pakistan’s cricket team—Wasim Akram, Moin Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik—and a charismatic host, Fakhr-e-Alam, the show has swiftly become a sleeper hit of the World Cup season.
This no-frills talk show is the brainchild of A Sports, a segment of ARY, Pakistan’s largest media network. As it approaches the phenomenal mark of 1000k subscribers, the show’s hour-long episodes are racking up close to a million views each. The viewers aren’t just from Pakistan; many cricket enthusiasts, including former Indian captains Kapil Dev and Sourav Ganguly, have become avid followers, lauding the efforts of their erstwhile competitors.
“The Pavilion” stands out for its unscripted storytelling approach, offering a respite from the noise of complex data analytics and excessive punditry that often dominates sports coverage. Salman Iqbal, ARY Digital’s Founder and CEO declares that the show’s success arises from its simplicity and its conversational, familial mode of match discussion that is reminiscent of a casual chat in one’s living room.
The secret sauce of the show is the easy camaraderie among the cricket veterans who share a rich history. On air, they exhibit the same warmth and lighthearted banter that would characterize a gathering of old friends. The chemistry is palpable as they share insider knowledge of the game, laugh, tease, and most importantly, remain authentic. Wasim Akram endorses authenticity as the key to his long-standing career in broadcasting, infusing a natural sense of humor while staying true to oneself.
The program’s language swings from English to Urdu, and occasionally to Punjabi—Akram’s choice when he’s particularly moved. Their commentary remains accessible, aiming to include even those viewers who may lack deep technical knowledge of cricket. For instance, following a cramping incident with Glenn Maxwell, Shoaib Malik was quick to offer an easy-to-understand analysis likening Maxwell’s batting to a golfer teeing off, much to the appreciation of cricket fans.
The relaxed studio environment is attributed to the synergy between the on-screen team and those behind the scenes, including ARY’s owner Iqbal, TV executive Jerjees Seja, and former PCB official Imran Ahmad Khan. This dynamic is fostered not just on set but extends to shared meals, friendly debates, and leisure activities like scuba-diving, illustrating the group’s deep rapport.
A notable feature of “The Pavilion” is its interactive segment “ask the expert,” where viewers are encouraged to direct questions to the panel. In one memorable instance, Misbah-ul-Haq humorously addressed inquiries about his beard dye, sparking laughter among the team and viewers alike.
Fakhr-e-Alam, the show’s host, is not just any presenter; he is an award-winning actor, a trained pilot, and a trusted confidante to the panel of cricket stars. He knows when to steer the conversation back on track, playfully taking on the role of a “class monitor,” as he puts it, without stifling the show’s spontaneous spirit.
Beyond the fun and games, “The Pavilion” has garnered nearly 200 million views and international acclaim. Their secret? A seamless blend of expert analysis, relaxed camaraderie, and a genuine passion for cricket that echoes in the living rooms of fans worldwide. With “The Pavilion,” it’s not just about consuming content; it’s about joining a family of cricket aficionados who celebrate every moment of the game together.