Four former Pakistani cricket captains, including a living legend, a beloved anchor, a simple setup, no complex data analysis, no over-analysis, no loud voices, and no excessive hero-worship.
In this World Cup, a straightforward and content-rich talk show featuring cricket icons from Pakistan—Wasim Akram, Moin Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Shoaib Malik—alongside the amiable presenter Fakhr-e-Alam, known for his entertainment background, has emerged as a surprise hit, cutting through the clutter.
The Pavilion, a flagship free-streaming show by A Sports, part of Pakistan’s largest media network ARY, is rapidly approaching the 1 million subscriber mark. Most of its hour-long video capsules have garnered close to a million views, with even former Indian cricket captains Kapil Dev and Sourav Ganguly among the show’s followers, publicly praising the efforts of their erstwhile rivals.
Salman Iqbal, the brains behind The Pavilion, attributes the show’s success to its unique, free-flowing conversational format, emphasizing their commitment to the traditional art of storytelling and their desire to stand out in the crowded cricket broadcasting landscape. “What we have achieved with The Pavilion is a result of not overcomplicating things. We keep it simple, tell stories, and discuss matches in a way that mimics casual conversations with friends and family,” ARY Digital Founder and CEO Salman Iqbal told THE INDIAN EXPRESS.
The camaraderie between the five men on the screen, Akram, Moin, Misbah, Malik, and presenter Fakhr-e-Alam, lends the uncomplicated show the ambience of a friendly lounge. Despite their deep cricketing knowledge and experience, they come across as warm, cheerful, and humorous friends enjoying a game of cricket, dropping their guard and being themselves.
Wasim Akram shares his secret to longevity in the field: being original. “Be true and add natural humour where you can. One has to be original. Basically, just be yourself,” he says. The predominantly Urdu-English show features Akram seamlessly switching to Punjabi, especially when expressing frustration. The show offers a blend of cricket analysis and light-hearted banter.
Shoaib Malik keeps his cricketing analysis accessible, using relatable examples to explain complex plays. The behind-the-scenes chemistry is crucial to the show’s success, with the five men huddled together during games, sharing meals, engaging in friendly banter, and even participating in off-day activities like scuba diving.
Fakhr-e-Alam, a seasoned sports broadcaster, trained pilot, and award-winning actor is the trusted safety net, ensuring the show strikes the right balance between humour and cricket analysis. Despite occasional boundary-pushing moments, the show has received critical acclaim worldwide, amassing nearly 200 million views and establishing The Pavilion as a unique and successful cricket talk show.
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