Barmy Army Staff Travel Blog #9 - Pakistan

by Andy Thompson

My first visit to Pakistan was in 2005, which was the first overseas tour since the incredible Ashes series that summer. England were expected to do well. I missed the first test in Multan as I still had a ‘proper job’, but went to Faisalabad and Lahore.

We had such a warm welcome and enjoyed a fantastic time that I vowed to come back. It took 18 years – during which time I had retired and also worked for seven years as Tour Manager for the Barmy Army. Though I finished in 2019, I always left the door open to return for a Pakistan Tour if needed, and was only too happy to step up for the most recent tour in 2022. Winning 3-0 was an absolute bonus and it was wonderful to be back in the country and find out that the Pakistani people were as friendly and welcoming as before.

During that series, I was Tour Managing a small group of travel clients on our organised tour – accompanying them throughout the trip and doing my best to ensure everything ran smoothly and they had the best trip possible.

My favourite thing about Pakistan is always the warm and friendly nature of the locals, closely followed by the fabulous food! Sure, it’s spicy but not necessarily fiery hot like Southeast Asia. In terms of alcoholic drinks, it’s a challenge, but certainly not impossible. If you are a wine lover, however, I’d park that for a bit. Put up with the local (yes, brewed in Rawalpindi) beer and spirits!

If you are sat there thinking about booking a trip to Pakistan, my advice would be put your preconceived ideas away and book it! It will be time well spent.

The Barmy Army returns to Pakistan!

The Barmy Army will return to cricket-loving Pakistan for a thrilling three-match Test series with the England men’s cricket team, replicating the triumphant 2022 tour.

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