ODI World Cup: Alisha, 15-year-old Babar Azam fan transcends regional obstacles – Instances of India

HYDERABAD: Alisha, a 15-year-old fan of Babar Azam, carries a photograph of the Pakistan skipper within the again cowl of her telephone.
The schoolgirl from Bhopal was among the many scattered group of Pakistan supporters on the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium as Babar and Co took the sphere for his or her World Cup opener towards Netherlands.
One of many world’s main batter, Babar has a large following in cricket loving India and that was fairly evident when he landed on Indian soil for the primary time final week.
Sitting alongside her mom, Alisha was seen waving the Pakistan flag cheering each run scored by them. Mohammad Bashir, the Chicago-based “Chacha”, lastly had some competitors within the stands.
Pakistan followers haven’t made the journey throughout the border but resulting from visa points, subsequently, native help is greater than welcome.
A lot to her disappointment, Babar’s keep within the center lasted solely 18 balls as he was caught at mid-wicket. She likes all issues Babar, together with his trademark cowl drive.
“I’ve been a fan of Babar for the previous 4 years. I began a fanpage as properly on social media however deactivated as I needed to concentrate on my research,” Alisha instructed PTI.
“The love for the sport is within the household as my mother and father are additionally followers of Pakistan cricket. My mum loves Shahidi Afridi and Dad was once an enormous fan of Javed Miandad.”
Alisha was apprehensive of how the guy Indians within the stands would react to her holding the Pakistan flag. Nevertheless, the sport was performed in entrance of a sporting crowd with many among the many 9000-odd spectators additionally cheering for the Netherlands squad.
“It’s good to see that individuals are supporting each the groups. I’m an Indian first and love the likes of Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli however I even have the identical love for Babar.
“I hope the relations between the nations get higher sooner or later,” added the category eight scholar, who aspires to grow to be an entrepreneur.
Alisha does not have the ticket for the Indo-Pak blockbuster in Ahmedabad. She plans to remain again for Pakistan’s last recreation right here on October 10 earlier than heading again residence to chase her desires.