PALLEKELE: It was around 12:30 pm when four Pakistan fans checked into a hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka on Saturday. They flew out of Singapore to Colombo and took a three-hour road journey to Kandy. Travel fatigue was visible on their faces but that did not deter them from heading directly to the stadium in Pallekele, another half an hour drive, to take a glimpse of their favourite cricketers.
India versus Pakistan match usually evokes uncontrollable emotions. Over the years, the rivalry has just grown, sometimes it has turned rabid too. The rivalry that is weaved into our geo-political and socio-cultural fabric, at times transcends into something more intense. Losing is not the word to be uttered.
For the Pakistan fans though, time was at a premium. They decided to order anything that can be served fast before keeping their luggage in the rooms. As they were heading towards the restaurant, one of them shouted, “We have to wear green guys,” making it clear that they are in the Island Nation to root for their team against arch-rivals India in the 2023 Asia Cup.
Almost a four-hour flight journey followed by the road trip could be tiring. But fatigue was least of their concern. If at all, they were worried about something, it was the rain threat that’s looming over the match.
Just a couple days ago, a father and son duo reached Sri Lanka to watch India play. They did not want to miss this opportunity and would want to watch the India versus Pakistan match during the World Cup as well. Though they reached well ahead of the match, they too were worried about the weather. They were bleeding blue on Saturday.
Like them, hundreds of fans from both the countries have flocked to this beautiful city, in the heart of the island. The verdant vegetation, interspersed with manicured tea gardens, adds to the charm of this place. The match visitors though have more than just the natural beauty in their mind. It’s India versus Pakistan and as expected both men in blue and green started converging on to the venue from early morning, hours before the contest was scheduled to begin. Fans also formed their respective groups and poured their wholehearted support for their respective teams.
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