ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: India-Pakistan fans raise decibel levels at Adelaide

The quiet city of Adelaide is now swarmed by fans from India and Pakistan ahead of the big clash at the ICC World Cup 2015.

The quiet city of Adelaide is now swarmed by fans from India and Pakistan ahead of the big clash at the ICC World Cup 2015. Sudhir Kumar, India’s most famous fan, has arrived in town, as has Mohammad Basheer Bozai, the new chacha from Chicago. The Swamy Army also warmed up for the big day in their inimitable style.

Nishad Pai Vaidya soaks in the atmosphere as the fans reach Adelaide.

If Adelaide had been nice and quiet over the last few days, it is now time to party. Thousands of fans from India and Pakistan have arrived in the city to add to the aura of the impending clash. During the last two days, it was scarcely believable that the big subcontinent duel would be played at the Adelaide Oval. The city was almost oblivious to what lies in store on Sunday, but the arrival of those fans has now made Valentine’s Day one to remember. Instead of the red and pink that usually symbolise the lovers’ festival, blue and green are the order of the day in the city.

India commenced their training session in the morning and there was a very familiar face in the crowd. From a distance, one could see a short, thin frame charging towards the seats surrounding the dressing room. Sudhir Kumar, India’s most famous fan, was spotted wearing the training kits. All along the way he kept praising Sachin Tendulkar. Despite his idol away from the game, Sudhir has maintained his passion for the game. Sponsored by Red FM, he was set to make his way Down Under, but his visa had not come through.

Tendulkar came to the rescue of his most devoted fan. The Order of Australia winner wrote to the Australian embassy, “I am writing to confirm that Mr Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary has been an ardent supporter of the Indian Cricket Team and has become a national icon due to his enthusiasm.” Furthermore, Tendulkar called up the embassy. That did the trick! Sudhir had his visa the next day and was on the plane to Australia.

As he took his seat near the Sir Donald Bradman Pavilion, Sudhir beamed the letter with pride as a few journalists came to take his picture. Out came the conch and the big flag to announce his arrival to the arena. A few members of India’s support staff came over and greeted him. Other Indians joined in to back him up with chants. Suddenly, a group of Pakistan fans came together and tried to outshine their Indian counterparts with cries of, “Pakistan zindabad!” The party came alive, but there was something missing. While India had that iconic fan, Pakistan needed one to back them up. He was just on his way!

Mohammad Basheer Bozai, the new chacha (Urdu for: Uncle) from Chicago, entered the Adelaide Oval and shouted, “Jeetega bhai, jeetega, Pakistan jeetega!” (Urdu for: Pakistan will win). The man’s attire spoke about the situation back home. The left side sported Pakistan colours, while the right had India’s. Basheer’s wife is an Indian from Hyderabad. Referring to Pakistan’s winless record against India in World Cups, he said, “Is baar diwali hum manayenge. Ab tak ghar par meri biwi ne manayi hai!” (Urdu for: This time I will celebrate Diwali. At home, my wife has celebrated it so far). His shirt has the words, “Jis des mein Ganga behti hai, us des se meri biwi hai.” (Urdu for: My wife is from the country through which The Ganga flows).

And soon, he was in the group alongside Sudhir, celebrating cricket more than anything else. A little later, the Swamy Army joined in with their dhols. Playing thebhangra beats, they created a party like atmosphere. Basheer and Sudhir were not far away. Amidst the dance, the two sides debated on the result and backed their sides through to the hilt.

Adelaide has come alive. A small group of fans has been able to inject life on the eve of the game as the Oval got ready. One wonders what it would be when the two teams meet on Sunday. Irrespective of the result, it will be one hell of a party!

(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45. This article first appeared in CricketCountry)

This article first appeared in CricketCountry.com.