Pakistan-India World Cup attracts hundreds of followers to Lengthy Island regardless of rain

Hundreds of cricket followers descended on Lengthy Island Sunday to absorb the most important sports activities rivalry on this planet — one that the majority New Yorkers won’t be acquainted with: India vs. Pakistan World Cup cricket.

Followers flooded the newly constructed Nassau County Worldwide Cricket Stadium in Eisenhower Park — inflicting roughly 90 minutes of crawling site visitors forward of the match — however remained optimistic, cheering on their groups even after two rain delays put a damper on the competitors.

Sunday’s match was by far probably the most extremely anticipated of the T20 World Cup cricket video games held in New York. It was a group-stage match between the worldwide powerhouse groups, which may decide which groups advance to the knockout spherical.

Current Harvard graduates Kartikeya Bhatotia, 27, and Aashish Khullar, 37, each Indian nationals dwelling in Boston, stated they had been thrilled to see the longstanding rivalry come to the US.

“[I’m] fairly excited,” Aashish advised The Publish. “Yeah, truly it’s type of cool to return and see the stadium. I don’t suppose I’ve ever seen a global cricket sport in a stadium.”

The pair purchased opposing jerseys as they walked by means of the stadium’s nearly-full parking zone, with Kartikeya shopping for a inexperienced Pakistan jersey and Aashish shopping for an orange and blue Indian jersey.

“Even when it’s not about cricket, India v. Pakistan has all the time been a cultural factor so it’s good to see it in particular person,” Kartikeya stated.

There appeared to be a 90-10 cut up between followers, with India supporters far outnumbering these of Pakistan.

Kashif Sheriz, 49, flew to the Huge Apple from the UK simply to see the extremely coveted match.

“We’re right here to help Pakistan all the best way from London,” Sheriz stated, carrying a inexperienced Pakistan jersey he purchased outdoors the stadium. “It’s going to be a tricky match, it’s going to be a great match, it’s going to be an thrilling match. However that is the group that’s going to win. Inexperienced all the best way.”

Sheriz lauded Lengthy Island — and the US — for welcoming cricket into the nation with open arms.

On Thursday, the US group pulled off a shock victory over Pakistan.

[“It’s] superb right here. Good ambiance. You guys are so hospitable and I hope the People take upon the individuals of cricket and I hope get pleasure from it as a lot as we and revel in it,” he stated, including, “And America is doing effectively. America beat Pakistan, so, you understand. Between the followers we don’t have any rivalry — it’s solely on the pitch. When the sport begins, that’s the place it’s all going to kick in.”

Excited followers donned wigs, indicators, flags and different merchandise in help of their groups, with many followers exhibiting up vibrant and early to assert a spot within the parking zone — which an attendant stated had met half-capacity by 8 a.m.

“F—ing loopy however it’s good things — good vibes,” a parking zone attendant advised The Publish.

Joe La Porta, 32, with girlfriend Yesha Vayda got here from Albany to observe the match decked out in India jerseys.

“That is my first match…and [my girlfriend] she’s actually into cricket,” La Porta stated.

“I bought myself into it since final yr with the World Cup so I’m going to my first match right here for T20. I’m actually excited. We bought fortunate that we’re only a three-hour drive down right here that we are able to truly go see one thing like this.”

“I haven’t been to a cricket match in 10 years,” Yesha stated, including that she was excited to see India group caption Rohit Sharma, who she says was her classmate in India.

“It’s going to be an amazing match. I believe India goes to win for certain. Let’s go India.”

The India vs. Pakistan match, a part of the 2024 ICC Males’s T20 match, follows a shocking U.S. win in opposition to Pakistan on Thursday.