Longest national anthems amongst cricketing nations

5) Pakistan

Pakistan’s

Easily one of the most melodious and harmonious of anthems amongst all cricketing nations, the “Qaumi Tarana” runs for almost a minute and a half. Every time India meets Pakistan in a World Cup encounter, the two anthems form very much a part of the celebrations, which are invariably graced by important figures from both nations.

Mohali in 2011 was an example – it was indeed a sight watching the Pakistan PM Gilani, coach Waqar Younis and captain Afridi humming the anthem ahead of a power-packed game.

The most recent memory being that of the India-Pakistan tie at the Eden this year, where megastar Amitabh Bachchan and classical singer Shafaqat Amanat Ali rendered the anthems of their respective countries.