ISLAMABAD: A majority of Pakistanis remain passionate about cricket, with 34 percent identifying it as their favourite sport, according to a survey conducted by Gallup Pakistan.
The survey, which included responses from more than 700 individuals across the country, also revealed a surprising trend: 42 percent of respondents said they do not follow or like any sport.
When asked about their preferred sport, 34 percent chose cricket, making it the most popular by a wide margin. Football was ranked second with six percent, followed by hockey—the national sport—and kabaddi at three percent each. Basketball and boxing were each preferred by two percent of respondents, while squash was named by one percent. Another three percent cited other sports.
The survey also explored preferences for cricketers. A significant 65 percent of respondents said they do not have a favourite cricketer. Among those who expressed a preference, Shahid Afridi emerged as the most popular choice with 10 percent support. He was followed by Imran Khan at nine percent and Babar Azam at six percent, while three percent mentioned other players.
The findings highlight cricket’s enduring appeal in Pakistan, even as a sizeable portion of the population remains disengaged from sports altogether.
