ALKHOBAR, 20 March 2004 — Intermittent rains which hit the Eastern Province yesterday did not dampen the spirit of the cricket fans here who turned up in hundreds at Arab News-Asia International School Cricket pavilion to watch the third One Day International cricket match between India and Pakistan.
Humayun Muzaffar, director of the Asia International School, admitted that he was surprised to see so many people turning up for the match despite the early timing and rains. “We were expecting few people in the first session of the match because of rains and Friday prayers. But people started pouring in from 7 a.m. and by the time first ball was bowled at 7.30 a.m. the pavilion was packed.”
In the second session of the match after Friday prayers, there was no place left in the pavilion and as a result arrangements were made in a separate hall to accommodate more fans.
“It is absolute fun here,” said Muhammad Ali, a Pakistani supporter who has watched all the three matches in the pavilion and leads the Pakistani group in cheering his side. “The pavilion has all the thrills and excitement of the real stadium,” said Adil, an Indian supporter.
Humayun Muzaffar said that after the last match in Lahore, the organizers would host a grand party to honor the winning team.
Prashant Sharma of Le Gulf Meridien Hotel said that his hotel would support all the programs at the pavilion.
