A rare opportunity for India to host Pakistan in a World Cup on home soil sees more than 100,000 fans flock to the Narendra Modi Stadium, for the latest chapter in a rivalry that goes far beyond cricket.
As India seized a historic win against Pakistan at the World Cup, 132,000 Indian fans broke into a rendition of Vande Mataram, a revolutionary song that played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement.Heavy security surrounded the Narendra Modi Stadium, but the event proceeded without incidentThe song was banned during British rule, the same colonisers who brought cricket to these nations.
"It's more about partition of India and patriotism and everything, so the India-Pakistan match is like a war," he said.India and Pakistan, who have engaged in three actual wars, usually play each other on the international stage in different countries and last played on Indian soil seven years ago. The nations are also still fighting over the disputed regions of Jammu and Kashmir, which faces ongoing violence and military occupation.The Narendra Modi government has taken over a large part of the previously autonomous region, which has led to widespread condemnation in Pakistan.
He called it "cricket diplomacy" and used it to facilitate an ad hoc meeting with then Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. "Narendra Modi is the best prime minister and the best leader, but we're not talking about politics right now we're talking about cricket … this was a very unique match," one Indian fan, Krish, said as he walked out of the stadium.
Pakistan batted first with captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan securing a strong partnership, but the team collapsed for 191 inside 43 overs.
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