GOODWILL HUNTING

India-Pak rivalry thing of fans as players ride on mutual admirations

- FIROZ MIRZA

IT was around 12:30 pm when four Pakistan fans checked into a hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka on Saturday. They flew out of Singapore to Colombo and took a three-hour road journey to Kandy. Travel fatigue was visible on their faces but that did not deter them from heading directly to the stadium in Pallekele, another half an hour drive, to take a glimpse of their favourite cricketers. There was a short pit stop for lunch.

India versus Pakistan match usually evokes uncontrollable emotions. Over the years, the rivalry has just grown, sometimes it has turned rabid too. The rivalry that is weaved into our geo-political and socio-cultural fabric, at times transcends into something more intense. Losing is not the word to be uttered.

For the Pakistan fans, who reached here on Saturday, time was at a premium. They decided to order anything that can be served fast before keeping their luggage in the rooms. As they were heading towards the restaurant, one of them shouted, “We have to wear green guys,” making it clear that they are in the Island Nation to root for their team Pakistan against arch-rivals India in the 2023 Asia Cup. Almost a four-hour flight journey followed by the road trip could be tiring. But fatigue was least of their concern. If at all, they were worried about something, it was the rain threat that’s looming over the match.