Have you ever heard of a Pakistan cricket fan by name Mohammad Bashir? If not, I am sure you have seen him on your television screen. The bearded man has been a regular face in the stands whenever there has been a match between the arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, in the last few years.
Things seem to have changed with Bashir, who will be supporting Team India for this match in Birmingham. The love from across the border, when he came to Mohali in 2011, seems to have played an important part in his life.
"I still love Pakistan but I love India more now. Earlier I wanted Pakistan to win but now it is India. The love that I received during my first trip to Mohali in 2011 was overwhelming. I have come to a stage where I end up going to India almost every year and hardly go to Pakistan. I feel much safer in India," Press Trust of India quoted Bashir as saying.
He has been present in all India vs Pakistan matches in the recent past, and it is pertinent to add that MS Dhoni provided him with a ticket for the Asia Cup T20 match in 2016. No wonder, his love for India has been multiplying over the years. However, Bashir will not be able to attend the match from the stands this time.
Chicago-based Bashir will have to watch the game on the internet as he is at Mecca during the holy month of Ramadan.
"I have not missed a single India-Pakistan contest since attending my first one in Mohali during the 2011 World Cup. I would have loved to be there in Birmingham as well but since the game is during the month of Ramadan, the trip to Mecca with my family was already planned and I will be there for a month. It is all about football here. I think I will watch it on the internet. I even wanted to watch India's warm-up against New Zealand but could not," Bashir said.
Coming to the match, India will start the game as favourites despite Pakistan having an upper hand in their head–to-head record against India, who have lost twice and only won one in the Champions Trophy. But, this could be a different ball game altogether, with India having some great performers.
Bashir also feels that a lot has changed over the years with India becoming stronger and stronger.
"India- Pakistan match is not the contest it used to be. Indians are miles ahead of Pakistan. Ek side par Dhoni, Kohli, Yuvraj aur Pakistan mein toh koi bada player hee nahi hain (there is no star player in Pakistan compared to the Indian line-up)," said Bashir.
