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Mohammad Bashir, a Chicago-based Pakistani, is no ordinary cricket fan.
The owner of a restaurant, the well-known Bashir can be seen in the stands sporting a bright green kurta cheering for Pakistan almost everywhere they play. Not even his ailing health has put a dent in his travels.
But at the 2015 World Cup, Bashir has temporarily switched his allegiance and will be praying for Indian captain MS Dhoni and India to retain the title!
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| India captain MS Dhoni (l) pictured here with Mohammad Bashir (r). — Photo courtesy Mohammad Bashir Facebook page |
Shocking as it may seem, Bashir's love for Dhoni, in particular, goes back a long way.
“At the 2014 World T20, I could not get any tickets for any of the matches, so Dhoni arranged a complimentary ticket of the final for me. He is a gem of a person. I have come to make sure he wins the World Cup. I am sure his new born baby will bring him luck,” said Bashir in an interview with Gulf News.
“I am from Karachi but I live in Chicago. My wife Rafia is from Hyderabad, India. I love Dhoni, he is my hero.”
The 63-year-old, who has replaced 'Chacha Cricket' as the 'mascot' for the Pakistani team, said Dhoni's humility had won him many fans in Pakistan.
Seeing the big demand for World Cup tickets, this time, Bashir, who has met Dhoni on several occasions now, came prepared.
“I did not want to trouble Dhoni this time, so I bought the tickets very early. I buy only the cheapest $20 tickets because that is where I can sit and shout at my loudest for my hero,” Bashir, who can be seen wearing Indian colours at some matches, said.
India, who beat Pakistan and South Africa in their first two games, will take on UAE on February 28 in Perth.
