MOHALI – Tens of thousands of Indians and a handful of Pakistanis packed the stadium for their cricket World Cup clash on Wednesday in a friendly atmosphere that belied diplomatic tensions between the countries.
“We love the people of India as we share the same roots and the same passion for the game among other things,” said elated Pakistani fan Ali Salman, who crossed into India via the only road link, the Wagah crossing.
“I managed to get a ticket through my friends in India. I can’t thank them enough,” the 32-year-old from Lahore told AFP as he made his way into the stadium through tight security.
“We arrived yesterday and the atmosphere at Wagah was electrifying. There were fans who were cheering for both India and Pakistan.” Barkha Sen, a 40-year-old Indian entrepreneur from nearby Chandigarh, said the match offered her a chance to extend a hand of friendship across the border. “It is one of those rare opportunities that we must utilise to make friends. If I come across anyone from Pakistan, I am going to invite them home for a cup of tea,” she said.
Both national anthems were respected by fans, though the overwhelmingly Indian crowd cheered every dropped catch by the Pakistanis who failed to take at least five chances during the Indian innings. The loudest cheer was reserved for India’s talismanic cricketer, record-setter Tendulkar, who hoped to score his 100th international hundred in the game but fell 15 short.
Cricket has frequently been the victim of poor relations between the neighbouring nations, with tours blocked for years because of bad-blood, but it has also been used to build trust and confidence. In 2004, India toured Pakistan for a full Test series for the first time since 1989 as part of a diplomatic initiative called the Friendship Series.
