Unlike most fans, Islamabad native Hassan Khan attended the Super Four game between Pakistan and India at Dubai International Stadium alone to cheer for Pakistan.
A cricket enthusiast since 2006, Khan has witnessed seven India-Pakistan games so far.
Yet, the memory of his first match between the fierce rivals remains vivid.
“I recall attending the Lahore Test against India in 2006 with my family. Shahid Afridi smashed four consecutive sixes in an over against Harbhajan Singh. I was just a little kid, probably five years old, but witnessing those amazing sixes made me a cricket and Shahid Afridi fan instantly,” Khan reminisced.
“As a Pakistani, I support my team, but in Pakistan, we also admire Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma because they’re exceptional players. It doesn’t matter which country they play for; we love them for their cricket,” added the Dubai resident.
“When it comes to players, it’s purely about cricket, nothing else. I’m not alone; many fans in Pakistan admire Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli because people appreciate great cricket. But mixing politics with cricket ruins it. I’m among those who dislike when people blend sports with politics. Our love for cricketers is for their game, not political reasons,” he stated.
