COLUMBUS, OHIO: Mention cricket in the US and people think you are talking about an insect. It is difficult for cricket lovers to get their next generation interested in the game. The India-Pakistan World Cup T20 match provided many with the perfect opportunity to introduce and demonstrate the love, the passion and the flavor of the game. It helped that the tournament was on a Saturday morning.

A big gathering including children were glued to the big television screen in Ashraf Shareef’s basement. It was cricket over breakfast where halwa puri, bagels, chips and much more was served. Shareef is from Chennai but his guest lists included many from Pakistan as well. Mohammad Zaki was there with his 11-year-old son Omar who was dressed in Pakistan cricket team’s jersey. “This is the first time I watched a match with my son.” He started taking an interest in cricket since he got a bat from Pakistan.

Shareef’s son, Rayyan was wearing IPL’s Chennai Super Kings jersey. “He got involved with the game last year after watching IPL matches and because we are from Chennai he supported them.” Shareef was happy that his son, who was very interested in sports, was developing a love for cricket.

Shareef said that the Indians and the Pakistanis watched the match in good spirit and without animosity. “We are all friends so we laugh and tease but ultimately have a good time.” But Ather, who had come all the way from Canada, to watch the match with his buddies was not too thrilled. He was very annoyed with the Pakistani selectors for not sending a balanced team.

At our Khan residence it was ‘Paya’ and cricket with a bit of complication. Our son-in-law and grandkids came dressed in green but were welcomed by a big, “Bharat ki jai!” (Victory to India). Khan, a die- hard Indian, has a die-hard Pakistani son-in-law. Our five-year-old grandson, Yusuf, played mediator chanting sometimes ‘barat ki jay’ and sometimes ‘Pakistan jindabad.’

Social media also added to the flavor of the India-Pakistan match. Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp were very busy. From Seattle came the message from a politically correct Pakistani supporter, “It is not over till the ‘healthy’ lady sings”. “I hear Lata Mangeskhar singing” some one replied.

The match ended as was expected, with an Indian victory. Almost everyone celebrated at the Shareef residence. But 11-year-old Omar started crying and only stopped when someone explained to him, “It is not over for Pakistan yet, there is still a chance.” At the Khan residence, Yusuf said, “I am sad and mad too because my green team lost. But at least grandpa’s blue team won. He is happy.” And a frustrated Pakistani on Facebook wrote, ‘Chai, popcorn and galiyaan.’