Despite a large turnout of Pakistani fans at the Dubai International Stadium for the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match, Indian supporters significantly outnumbered them.
The remarkable sight was the early arrival of Indian fans, who gathered at the venue well before the match, eagerly waiting for the gates to open.
They patiently stood under the intense sun from 2 pm, all dressed in blue.
Amidst them, a lone Pakistani fan, Maryam, appeared, sharing smiles and high-fives with the Indian crowd.
Maryam, who traveled solo from Karachi for the Dubai match, was the only Pakistani among the first wave of fans at the venue on Sunday.
“It’s quite awkward being the sole Pakistani here. I can’t find another person in a green jersey among all these fans,” said Maryam, who also attended the India-Pakistan match at the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York.
“I came from Pakistan. I always travel for India-Pakistan matches. It’s heartwarming to see the Indian fans here and their warm welcome with smiles. We’re all happy. Problems arise from governments, not people.
“Anyway, I’m here for my team and for cricket. I adore this sport and hope for a great match today.”
Maryam, a huge fan of Pakistan’s cricket legend Imran Khan, says her family supports her solo cricket journeys.
“Last year in New York for the T20 World Cup against India, even the ICC media team interviewed me,” she shared.
“I have loved this sport since childhood. My father and brothers are equally passionate. I always enjoy traveling for these matches. I was at the 2019 World Cup match in England too. My family always backs my passion.”
