Homeless and hounded but defiant to the glorious end

Despite all the troubles and setbacks that Pakistan have had, their fighting spirit has shone through, writes David Hopps in the Guardian.

Putting national sentiments aside, Pakistan's victory in World Twenty20 was the most joyous outcome imaginable in a tournament replete with happy, vibrant, adventurous cricket, a statement that the sport is so imprinted upon Pakistan's national consciousness that even the awful prospect of a nomadic existence for several years to come, playing Twenty20 in temporary homes around the world, will not break them.

In his blog in the same newspaper Andy Bull writes that Pakistan's carefree approach worked wonders and reminded us of what we've been missing. Younis Khan was ridiculed for saying Twenty20 was 'just entertainment', says Bull, but a laid-back attitude served his team well.

In the Times Simon Barnes says a game of cricket between Sri lanka and Pakistan is a refreshing outbreak of triviality and, as such, something for us all to cheer.

Muhammad Ali, writing in Pakistan's Daily Times, says cricket has always been a big binding force in the country and the team’s success in the World Twenty20 has helped lift the spirits of the people.