Alisha, a 15-year-old fan of Babar Azam, carries a photograph of the Pakistan skipper within the again cowl of her telephone. The schoolgirl from Bhopal was among the many scattered group of Pakistan supporters on the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium as Babar and Co took the sector for his or her World Cup opener towards Netherlands. One of the world’s main batter, Babar has a large following in cricket loving India and that was fairly evident when he landed on Indian soil for the primary time final week.

Sitting alongside her mom, Alisha was seen waving the Pakistan flag cheering each run scored by them. Mohammad Bashir, the Chicago-based “Chacha”, lastly had some competitors within the stands.

Pakistan followers haven’t made the journey throughout the border but attributable to visa points, subsequently, native help is greater than welcome.

Much to her disappointment, Babar’s keep within the center lasted solely 18 balls as he was caught at mid-wicket. She likes all issues Babar, together with his trademark cowl drive.

“I have been a fan of Babar for the past four years. I started a fanpage as well on social media but deactivated as I had to focus on my studies,” Alisha instructed PTI.

“The love for the game is in the family as my parents are also followers of Pakistan cricket. My mum loves Shahidi Afridi and Dad used to be a big fan of Javed Miandad.” Alisha was apprehensive of how the guy Indians within the stands would react to her holding the Pakistan flag. However, the sport was performed in entrance of a sporting crowd with many among the many 9000-odd spectators additionally cheering for the Netherlands squad.

“It is good to see that people are supporting both the teams. I am an Indian first and love the likes of Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli but I also have the same love for Babar.

“I hope the relations between the nations get higher someday,” added the class 8 student, who aspires to become an entrepreneur.

Alisha doesn’t have the ticket for the Indo-Pak blockbuster in Ahmedabad. She plans to stay back for Pakistan’s final game here on October 10 before heading back home to chase her dreams.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)