It’s the biggest game at the 2019 ICC World Cup. Probably bigger than the all-important final too. When India take on their arch-rivals Pakistan, everyone wants to be there, inside the stadium soaking in the atmosphere. But only a lucky few can manage to get hold of the tickets and sneak in. Hoping to do the same on Sunday (June 16) is Mohammad Bashir, or more commonly known as ‘Chacha Chicago’.
Bashir, a who owns a restaurant in Chicago and is an American passport holder is in Manchester for the big match, but there’s a small problem. The man is here without any match tickets. So how does he plan to watch the game on Sunday?
The 63-year-old in banking on a promise that the Indian wicket-keeper MS Dhoni has made. For many who are unaware, Dhoni and Chacha Chicago shared a unique bond since the 2011 World Cup, when Dhoni arranged a ticket for him for the semifinal match between India and Pakistan. “I don’t call him as he is so busy. I keep in touch only through text messages. Long before I came here, Dhoni assured me of the ticket. He is a great human being. I can’t think of anyone else doing what he has done for me since that 2011 game in Mohali,” says Bashir talking to PTI.
Sunday’s game will be the seventh time the two teams will be lining up against each other at the World Cup. In the previous six occasions, the Indians have managed to record wins over their neighbours. And a glance over the two side’s form so far give an indication that the unbeaten streak could extend further.
While the Indians, led by Virat Kohli, come into the tie on the back to two convincing wins over South Africa and title-holder Australia, Pakistan have endured a somewhat topsy-turvy campaign so far. After being outclassed by the West Indies in their opener, the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side bounced back in a fine manner to beat the hosts and the pre-tournament favourites England, but then ended up losing their next one to Australia.
Feature image courtesy: AFP Photo/ Dibyangshu Sarkar
