Indians in Kuwait celebrate Cricket WC semi-final win over Pakistan

Kuwait: Spirits were rife as thousands of people in Kuwait watched India take on Pakistan in what was touted to be the most challenging game of the tenth cricket World Cup. Expectancy levels were high and apprehensions mounted throughout the course of the match as supporters of both teams’ crowded shops and cafes in areas densely populated by the South Asian subcontinent dwellers.


“I just wish I could stay home but I made up for it by taking a really long lunch break,” claimed Nuferd Fernandes, rooting for the Indian team. “Most of the employees at my workplace didn’t even show up and sick leave applications were just piled up on my boss’s desk.”

A history spanning an equal number of victories and losses between the two teams, coupled with a mutual feeling of competition and rivalry, have over the past few decades somehow manifested itself on the cricket field. “It was a working day yesterday but as soon as I got home, I was glued to the television screen. I think it is the desire of both countries to normalize the relations between India and Pakistan and a cricket match is definitely a great diplomatic effort. The entire Pakistani community was enthusiastic and excited because it’s been a long time the two neighboring countries faced each other on the field,’ remarked Kashif Zaman, the press attaché of the Embassy of Pakistan in Kuwait.

Internet speeds were down in Kuwait, as many employers chose to watch the games on their computer screens, a number of friendly bets were placed on the intense match, and stakes were high, as a couple of fans bit their nails when wickets fell. “I was in such a frenzy, I couldn’t sit still,” said Asma Khan, a staunch supporter of the Pakistan team, who screamed herself hoarse, every time the green jerseys scored a boundary.

As such, hundreds of spectators got together at restaurants in and around Salmiya, where large screens were put up; gearing the crowd to create a ruckus every time the game favored either side.

Music blasted from cars, horns were blown and fireworks lit the skies as hundreds of team India supporters reached the streets in celebration , as India reached the finals of Cricket World Cup 2011, while some tempers flared among the team Pakistan supporter, others beat a silent retreat back to their homes.
AlWatan