ALKHOBAR, 14 March 2004 — Karachi’s National Stadium was brought to the Arab News-Asia International School Cricket Pavilion as more than 300 cricket fans turned out to watch one of the most thrilling cricket ties between India and Pakistan yesterday.
In a specially-erected tent, the pavilion was packed to capacity with Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi and surprisingly Egyptian cricket fans cheering the rival sides. The India-Pakistan matches generate extra interest among Indians and Pakistanis. In the past, some of these matches ended with heated exchanges between the supporters of the two teams. But during yesterday’s tie, the atmosphere, though charged, was friendly. No doubt the Arab News-Asia International School Cricket Pavilion showed that people to people contact between the two countries have shadowed the bitter rivalry of the past half century.
“Of course I wanted Pakistan to win the match but then it was a game and one side has to win and it was India’s day. My congratulations to India,” said Haitham a Pakistani student.
“This series is going to generate lot of goodwill between India and Pakistan and the leaders of the two countries will not be left with any option but to surrender to the will of the two peoples and improve political relations,” said Azfar Humayun, another Pakistani student who was quick to congratulate his Indian mates on India’s victory.
Humayun Muzaffar, director of the Asia International School, said that by teaming up with Arab News and Le Gulf Meridien in setting up the cricket pavilion he was not only supporting the cause of sports but also making a small contribution in helping thaw ties between the two countries.
Syed Raghib Husain, a Pakistani business executive and a die-hard supporter of Pakistani team, was happy that Arab News and Asia International School had set up the pavilion. “It was more thrilling and enjoyable than at the actual stadium. It was absolute fun.”
Prashant Sharma of Le Gulf Meridien regreted that the pavilion could not be set up at his hotel due to “technical reasons,” but said that the hotel will support the team — Arab News and Asia International School. “We are with Arab News and the game of cricket and we will support the pavilion in our own way.”
Humayun Muzaffar said that after watching yesterday’s rush, he has decided to expand the seating arrangement so that more than 500 people are easily accommodated. The admission to the pavilion is free.
