Home away from home

NEW DELHI, November 25: Colourful stands, swaying Pakistani and Indian flags, roaring Mexican waves, good food and music, a festive feel and camaraderie all over.
In a stadium that holds a crowd capacity of over 40,000, it was a delight to watch Indian and Pakistani supporters rejoicing and celebrating each shot that hit the fence during the first Test at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground in Delhi.
In fact, there were Indians in the stands who were cheering for the Pakistan cricket team.
"I am supporting Pakistan because I am an admirer of Shoaib Akhtar," said 17-year-old Pranav, who had crescent and star painted on one cheek and tricolour painted on the other.
His friend Shoaib, who is also an Indian, said, "I am supporting Pakistan, because they play exceptionally well. They are always high on spirit."
Despite the political animosities that exist between India and Pakistan, cricket has always brought the two nations together. For Tariq Khan, a Pakistani, the visit to Delhi was like being at home.
"I am really happy to be here. It's good to have such matches for building good relations between India and Pakistan. In fact I am glad to see few Indian supporters cheering for Pakistan cricketers like Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Yousuf."
"The arrangements at Kotla stadium are good. I saw the last match between India and Pakistan a couple of years back. Between then and now, I believe the facilities have become much better," he added.
A UK based Pakistani fan, Tahir Khan shared a similar opinion. "It's been good fun. We haven't witnessed any hostility, and people out here are very welcoming," said Tahir.
"The facilities in Delhi have been pretty good. The food is good, the ground is magnificent," he added.
A businessman from Amritsar, Amrit Pal Singh is in Delhi to watch the match with his family. Although the 32-year-old was at the Kotla to support the Indian cricket team, he was cheering for both India and Pakistan.
"The Pakistanis are our guests, and it's our duty to make them feel at home. So although I am supporting India, I am cheering for the classy shots played by Pakistan cricketers too."
Amid tight security arrangements, the two teams were battling it out with all their might on the field, while the supporters were getting together off the field to 'Say cheese'.