Pakistan’s Asif Ali plays a shot during the ICC men’s T20 World Cup cricket match between Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Oct. 29. (Photo: AFP)

The cricket craze had taken me over even before Pakistan’s third consecutive win in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Most of it has to do with the stories behind the scenes.

The first win was scored after Pakistan crushed India by 10 wickets and broke its losing streak against its arch-rival. Victory over New Zealand was a matter of national pride following the Kiwis’ shocking abandonment of their Pakistan tour in September over a security alert.

My heart went out to Afghanistan’s team that made it to the UAE despite horrible circumstances back home since the Taliban takeover. May peace prevail in our plucky neighbor.

Meanwhile, Pakistanis continue celebrations at home, enjoying a pleasant distraction from increasing inflation and religious fundamentalism. A Christian composer in Faisalabad Diocese released a celebration song.

Special prayers were held for our cricket team on the directives of Archbishop Sebastian Shaw of Lahore. The prelate shared his passion on state-run Pakistan Television before the Pakistan-India clash.

“Whenever Pakistan plays against India, the whole nation is prayerful and full of emotions. Our prayers are with our team. Insha’Allah [God willing], this trophy will come to Pakistan,” he said cheerfully, raising his fist.

Today was our final. The sentiments of Muslims worldwide, including those in Hindustan, were with the Pakistani team. Congratulations to the Muslim world

And then Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed brought a distasteful element and declared that Pakistan’s win over India was a victory for Islam.

“Today was our final. The sentiments of Muslims worldwide, including those in Hindustan, were with the Pakistani team. Congratulations to the Muslim world. Islam Zindabad [long live],” he said in a video released on Twitter.

The bizarre statement prompted a storm on social media.

“I remained in prostration during the match and am thankful to God. The statement of Sheikh Rasheed has hurt me. Pakistan’s win is for all Pakistanis irrespective of their religion,” Shireen Aslam, a former member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s minority wing in Attock district of Khyber Pakhtukhwa province, said in a Facebook post.