Thousands of India and Pakistan cricket fans gathered in New York on Sunday for the T20 World Cup clash, bringing a taste of the subcontinent to a new location for the sport.
The 34,000-seat Nassau County Cricket Stadium, located in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow on Long Island, was completely sold out as fans from various places came to attend the match.
The USA is co-hosting the T20 World Cup with the West Indies, with games also being held in Lauderhill, South Florida and Dallas.
This match is a key game in the group stage of the competition, as it brings the two rivals together in a game that goes beyond cricket.
Despite political tensions and security concerns, the fans were in a festive mood, even with the rain causing a delay in the start of the game.
For members of the Indian community in the USA, this tournament provided a rare opportunity to watch their favorite players in person rather than through online streams.
Traders around the venue sold jerseys of both teams, while Pakistan fans proudly displayed their national flag from their vehicles.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan is well understood by Americans, with many comparing it to the Yankees-Red Sox or St. Louis and Chicago rivalries.
Inside the stadium, the excitement was palpable as fans awaited the arrival of former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for a pre-game interview.
Fans were willing to spend over $1,500 for a last-minute general admission ticket, showing the high demand for this game.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric as fans cheered for their teams and celebrated the sport they love.
Overall, the event was seen as a major milestone in the world of sports by attendees like Mutharia, who stated, “This is simply one of the biggest events in sports.”
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