As the curtains fall on the ICC Champions Trophy's Pakistan leg, Lahore stands at the crossroads of pride and longing. The city, which has witnessed thrilling cricket battles, roaring crowds, and unforgettable moments, now bids farewell to a tournament that rekindled its love for the game.

While Pakistan's journey ended earlier than expected, the passion of its people kept the tournament alive, reminding the world why Lahore remains one of cricket's most fervent homes.

"We've had a wonderful time in Pakistan. I think it's been a great tournament, great to spend time here. The hospitality has been amazing, and we've been treated exceptionally well. So, I certainly leave Pakistan with fond memories of this tournament," South Africa head coach Rob Walter reflected after their semifinal clash against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore yesterday.

With that, the ICC Champions Trophy's Pakistan leg concluded on Wednesday. The second semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa marked the end of an electrifying phase of cricket in the country, which saw high-scoring thrillers, passionate crowds, and an atmosphere filled with unfiltered enthusiasm.

Before the match, it was confirmed that the grand finale of this tournament would take place in Dubai after India edged past Australia by four wickets in the first semifinal at the same venue on Tuesday.
 
On Wednesday, the Black Caps, riding on majestic centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, overpowered the Proteas by 50 runs in a high-scoring contest to book their place in the Champions Trophy final for the first time since 2009. 

They will now face India – the tournament's only unbeaten side and two-time winners of the competition – who previously defeated them by 44 runs in the group stage. The two will now face off in Dubai on March 9 in a rematch that promises fireworks.

Although Pakistan bowed out early in the group stage, Lahore's cricket-loving crowd ensured that the tournament retained its spirit.

Thousands of fans packed the stadium despite it being a non-holiday and during the holy month of Ramadan. Security was heightened three to four times more than previous matches, but it still did not deter the cricket fever. Around 35,000 spectators turned up, two-thirds of the stadium filled with neutral fans who passionately cheered for both teams. 

With a total of 674 runs scored in this high-octane semifinal, fans certainly got their money's worth. "It was a great match. I wish Lahore could have hosted the final as well," said Tahir, a local cricket fan.

The Gaddafi Stadium has been a run-fest throughout this tournament, with the lowest first-innings total being Afghanistan's 273 against Australia. Otherwise, every game at the venue witnessed 300-plus scores. 

In contrast, Dubai has not seen the same level of high-scoring action. The highest total recorded there so far has been India's 267 against Australia in the semifinal.

This disparity left many fans and experts questioning the decision to shift the final. "You see, matches in Dubai don't often see big scores. From a cricketing perspective, Lahore could have been the best possible venue. But it seems the fate of the tournament was written elsewhere," said Sami, a volunteer who had been working at the event since the tri-series.

Hadiya, a journalist from Suno News, echoed this sentiment. "Although Pakistan was the host nation, ultimately India reaped the benefits of familiarity and consistency by playing all their matches in Dubai. They never had to travel or adapt to different conditions – it felt like they were the actual hosts of this event," she said, also voicing frustration over Pakistan's premature exit. 

Despite the mixed emotions, there is hope. Shakeel Khan, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) media official, remains optimistic that Pakistan will not have to wait long to host another major ICC event. "It is a great feeling to have successfully hosted an ICC event after 29 years. I hope Pakistan will secure more ICC tournaments in the next cycle, starting after 2031."

As Lahore bids farewell to this cricketing spectacle, it does so with pride in its heart, yet a tinge of agony. The memories made, the emotions shared, and the cricket played on its historic soil will remain etched in time, fueling hope that the city will soon reclaim its place on the global cricketing stage.