ICC World T20 2016: 8.2 million users used Facebook to show their support for the India-Pakistan game

Virat Kohli of India celebrates after India won during the ICC World Twenty20 India 2016 match between Pakistan and India at Eden Gardens on March 19, 2016 in Kolkata, India.

Yesterday’s game between India and Pakistan at Eden Gardens in the ICC World T20 was more than a mere cricket match. If you hadn’t felt it, the organisers and the crowd at Kolkata made sure that you did. The who’s-who from all walks of life were present to witness what was built up as “THE match" of the group stage.

The excitement, however, was not limited to the stands or the millions watching on television. The exhilaration and its ripples were felt around the circles of social media as well. Facebook, the biggest of all social media platforms, saw 22 million interactions across its platform with 8.2 million unique users making their presence and opinions felt about the game. 

India’s Virat Kohli and Pakistani skipper Shahid Afridi drew the most mentions amongst the men who took to the field yesterday. Amongst the girls who played at the Feroz Shah Kotla earlier in the afternoon in the women's encounter, the captains from both India and Pakistan (Mithali Raj and Sana Mir) drew the most attention.

High profile celebrities didn’t go amiss either, joining in along with millions of cricket fanatics to make their presence felt. More than 10 well-known names including Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Hrithik Roshan amongst others changed their profile frame to express their support towards Team India. 

 

Go India! #WT20

Posted by Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday, March 19, 2016

 

I’ve arrived a little late to this party… blame it on my endless days and different timezones! But I'm super excited to...

Posted by Priyanka Chopra on Friday, March 18, 2016

 

#WT20

Posted by Hrithik Roshan on Saturday, March 19, 2016

 Selfie craze acquires celeb levels

The celebraties at the game were not satisfied with just being there. They took in the total experience by posting and immersing themselves in the selfie craze as well.

 

Great Win Team India!! Thank you for the innings and gesture Virat Kohli! Team India returning to the dressing room after the game, waved to me. Felt like I never left the team...

Posted by Sachin Tendulkar on Saturday, March 19, 2016

 

The players chip in

Facebook has become a part of everyday life now. And the players also used the platform to make their emotions known.

Marina Iqbal congratulates the Pakistan women’s team. (Source: Facebook)

Sana Mir took the video route to share a message for her parents.

Mubarak Pakistan . This win is dedicated to parents of all Pak female cricketers for believing in us and supporting us to follow our dreams

Posted by Sana Mir on Saturday, March 19, 2016

Former fierce rivals Shoaib Akhtar and Virender Sehwag came together to post a video on Facebook as well.

Shoaib And Sehwag

Shoaib Akhtar aur Virender Sehwag #PAKvIND match kay liye pur azam. #India #Pakistan #WT20

Posted by Samaa TV on Friday, March 18, 2016

Facebook Live for streaming press conferences 

The use of Facebook was not limited to just personal messages. The Facebook Live facility was used for streaming the press conferences live as well.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s post-match conference was streamed live on Facebook.

Nothing was ordinary about the game. From the national anthems sung by eminent personalities from both countries to the last shot by Dhoni, the evening was an epitome of how sports can uplift the emotions of not only men but also countries.

With the epic response from users on Facebook, it is evident that not only sports, but even Facebook transcends borders.