ABU DHABI: Pakistani cricket fans believe the United Arab Emirates is ready to become a temporary home venue for Pakistan. Showing great belief and support for a team that has not performed too well in the ongoing ODI series against Australia, the large population of Pakistanis settled in the UAE have braved sizzling hot weather and lacklustre performances to watch the matches.

The attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore has diminished any hopes of international cricket in Pakistan, forcing the Pakistan Cricket Board to look for alternate venues. ‘They should make the UAE their home venue and also play a few matches in England. These are two places where they will get good support,’ said Nabeel, a UK based Pakistani.

The second ODI in Dubai saw a near capacity crowd and the fourth one in Abu Dhabi attracted a good crowd as well. For a majority of the labourers working in the UAE, cricket matches involving Pakistan are one of the few sources of recreation. These patriotic fellows could be seen walking to the Zayed stadium from far off distances in extremely hot weather. 

A number of young cricket fans and Pakistani families also came out to support Pakistan. When asked why they support a team that is not playing well, a group of young supporters said, ‘we have to support them and encourage them to play better.’

Australian fans too think Pakistan should play majority of their home series in the UAE. ‘With the security situation uncertain in Pakistan, they should play their cricket here because there are a lot of Pakistani supporters here and the atmosphere is great,’ commented an Australian fan.