Hello Local Guides,
Today I want to share with you a few proud moments that are not just meaningful for me or my family, but truly a matter of great pride for every member of the Local Guides community.
Let me briefly tell you the story from the beginning.
Cricket ranks among the top 5 sports worldwide, and according to Google search trends, it is the second most popular sport globally after soccer. In South Asia, cricket is not just a game, it holds a place of deep passion, even reverence.
Beyond international cricket, T20 leagues are played across the world, with participation from international players, like IPL in India, BPL in Bangladesh, LPL in Sri Lanka, and PSL (Pakistan Super League) in Pakistan. PSL is held annually with teams representing different regions: Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, Multan Sultans, and Peshawar Zalmi.
One unique aspect of PSL is that from the Beginning of PSL till the 10th edition this year, they honor individuals from across Pakistan during each match in whole PSL. These individuals are selected based on their impactful achievements that brought pride to the country or helped improve the lives of fellow citizens. This initiative is called “HBL PSL Hamaray Heroes” (Our Heroes).
This story is about that very honor.
At the end of April, I received a call informing me that I had been selected as one of the “PSL Hamaray Heroes.” At first, I couldn’t believe it. I always admired the “Hamaray Heroes” segment during PSL matches and felt pride in seeing those honored, but I never imagined I would be among them.
I was so excited, I literally did a little dance. It reminded me of the exact feelings I had when I received the Connect Live 2018 selection email that said, “Thousands applied, but you made the cut.”
I was told that a documentary would be recorded about Local Guides volunteer work, how, while balancing my job or business, I used Google Maps to support nearby businesses by adding them and helping them grow through visibility on Maps.
This meant so much to me, because now, wherever PSL matches were being watched, I had a chance to bring awareness and motivation about the Local Guides program and Google Maps contributions.
Documentary About Local Guides Activities by Pakistan Super League 's Official YT Channel
The documentary was filmed at my home on a Saturday. I tried my best to share as much information as possible in the limited time we had, hoping to introduce people to the world’s largest volunteer community, Local Guides.
On April 30th, I received another call with my flight and hotel details. I was to stay at the fantastic Avari Xpress Hotel in Lahore. The next day, I flew to Lahore and, after some rest, met my dear friends @Sarbland and @Aliakhan Bhai. Their warm welcome moved me emotionally.
That evening, we sat at a restaurant, talked for hours, and I also got to meet my old friend and outstanding Local Guide @Muhammad_Usman Bhai. Though brief, our meeting was delightful. Later, Hafiz Muhammad Saqib also joined us.
The next day was match day. I spent the day resting and met another amazing friend, @zubair-rafique Bhai, in the evening.
It was May 1st, and I headed to Gaddafi Stadium. Thankfully, I was allowed to bring one guest, so @Aliakhan Bhai generously accompanied me. We were warmly received by @azharmasood786 , a renowned sports journalist and active member of our Local Guides community.
During the match, heavy winds and rain interrupted the game during the 11th over, and it was postponed to the next day.
After the match was abandoned, @azharmasood786, kindly invited us for dinner at a special space on the second floor of the stadium, a space usually dedicated to the press and journalists. Sitting there, overlooking the quiet stadium while sharing stories and laughter over dinner, was a truly unforgettable experience.
On May 2nd, we had initially planned a photo walk, but due to my match appearance being rescheduled, that plan had to be canceled.
However, @MaazAhmad, a fellow Local Guide from Lahore, coordinated a mini photo walk earlier in the day to explore Lahore’s historic sites. I plan to write a separate post about that amazing experience.
That evening, I returned to the stadium, this time with Sarbland Bhai. We were seated in the VIP Waqar Younis enclosure with a perfect view of the stadium.
Despite having been on media countless times, I was still nervous, speaking live in front of thousands was a whole different feeling.
During the match, I was called to the ground for the live segment. The commentator Zainab Abbas asked me two questions:
First Question: Who are Local Guides Connect Moderators and what do they do?
My Answer: Local Guides Connect is the official platform for a global community of over 300 million Local Guides. We, the 40 Connect Moderators, volunteer to guide other Local Guides on how to make meaningful contributions and avoid spam. We inspire others to contribute in ways that help people find the right information.
Second Question: How do your Google Maps contributions benefit local businesses?
My Answer: When a business is added to Google Maps, it also begins to appear in Google Search. If their profile includes a phone number and hours of operation, it becomes even more useful, increasing their chances of online business growth. This is exactly what our Local Guides community does, every business you see on Maps is there because someone from our community added it.
I ended by thanking Lahore for their wonderful hospitality, and they had me sign a T-shirt.
Then came the award ceremony at the end of the Match.
Before the match ended, I was taken near the field. As soon as the match concluded (Peshawar Zalmi defeated Islamabad United), a stage was quickly set up.
First, a motorbike was awarded to a cricket fan by a sponsor. Then, the anchor introduced me to the crowd.
Words may fall short to describe that moment. The emotions I felt representing the Local Guides community on that stage are unforgettable.
Although there was a small error in describing my contributions, the overall message was clearly conveyed on live TV, that this award was in recognition of supporting small businesses through Google Maps.
I believe this was the first time in Pakistan that the Local Guides community was honored at such a grand forum. I am hopeful that this will inspire more people to learn about the community and its mission.
Since the award ceremony was in English, I won’t translate that part, but I hope you could see from my face how I felt standing there, proudly representing all of us.
Thanks to @SwetaDhondoo for sharing me fantastic screen recording which I shared by YouTube.
This was the first time a Google Maps contributor was honored in Pakistan for helping small businesses, and I dedicate this honor to every member of the Local Guides community. It is your collective contributions that make Google Maps the most reliable tool in the world to help people navigate their way.
I consider Google Maps a blessing, think of how different life would be with or without it. I am proud to be a part of this community and proud that my small contributions are making a real difference in the world. Because of our efforts, thousands of people are able to complete big tasks.
Thanks to everyone who sent me messages, called, or gave me love and hugs in person. And a big thanks to every member of Local Guides Community , @Connect_Moderators and Googlers It was from all of you that I learned to begin these contributions, and I’m still learning from you all, striving to improve every day.
on this recognition and awards 
and count us in with your little dance - we are also dancing with some exciting news now. 
- best team name of any premier league.
Best wishes 
so deserving 
! What an amazing post you are sharing with all of us here in the global LG Community called Local Guides Connect.
