DUBAI // Indian and Pakistani cricket fans have started calling stadiums, clamouring for tickets months ahead of games between the two nations.
Although final approval is needed from the Indian government for the matches in the UAE, enthusiasts have begun drawing up viewing plans for the proposed December series, which includes three Tests, five one-day internationals and two T20s.
“We are already receiving many calls to book the tickets,” said Ali Anwar Jafri, the joint secretary of the Sharjah Cricket Council.
“There is nothing to match a game between Pakistan and India. Emotions will be high because this series is the most sought after. We’re hopeful the Indian prime minister will agree, but with India and Pakistan you can’t be sure until the last moment.”
The two teams have not played in a bilateral series for the past eight years.
It will be hosted by Pakistan in the UAE as part of a deal signed between the Indian and Pakistan cricket boards last year.
“Sure, we are ready to go to the games with the India flag because where will you get to watch an India Pakistan match?” said Radha Jhaveri, a follower of the game who plans to be at the UAE venues along with the family’s youngest fan, her one-year-old daughter.
“Since childhood India-Pakistan matches have excited me.”
The countries have not played a Test series since 2007 when Pakistan toured India. Terrorist attacks in Mumbai the next year, blamed on the Lashkar-e-Taiba group based in Pakistan, resulted in India cancelling the 2008 series with its neighbour.
The teams have since only met for a limited overs series in India and in World Cup or Asia Cup games.
For students of the game, the matches in the UAE promise to be a learning experience as players are invited by clubs to meet youngsters.
“It’s a great opportunity to understand how international stars prepare for each game, what is their routine, how they fought to reach this level,” said Abhishek Ganapathy, 15, from Our Own High School who plays at the Gforce Cricket Academy.
Hena Khan, the founder of UAE Mums Facebook group, anticipates a busy period leading up to the games because she will have to referee 11,340 members from both countries.
“I’m sure we will be deleting many posts and sending mails to tell everyone to calm down,” said Mrs Khan, from Pakistan.
“The mothers get emotional. They don’t mean it but in sheer happiness they may say something that will upset others.”
rtalwar@thenational.ae
