Pakistan fans disheartened after another loss in Dubai

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"Pakistan will win! Pakistan will win!" Three Pakistani fans in national team jerseys passionately chanted outside the Dubai Stadium. Despite their small numbers compared to Indian supporters, their enthusiasm was unmatched. However, the same energy was absent in the players, who once again failed to deliver, leaving fans disappointed.

Regardless of the ICC event's location, Indian fans dominate the ticket sales for crucial matches, and the Dubai Stadium was no different, with around 80-90% of the spectators being Indian. The stadium was nearly packed, adding to the high-voltage atmosphere.

As I entered the stadium, a gentleman showed me a picture of himself with Babar Azam from the previous day, explaining that the captain had eye irritation, which prevented him from practicing. Despite the long queues, Dubai’s efficient system ensured swift entry. The strict adherence to law and order in the city keeps everything under control, and armed police officers are rarely seen. Security personnel efficiently manage the events, ensuring smooth execution.

The Pakistan-India rivalry is well-known, yet Dubai never segregates fans, and everyone remains in control, aware that any misconduct could lead to immediate deportation. The Indian team, stuck in traffic, reached the venue just 35 minutes before the toss. They stayed at a separate hotel, while the Pakistani team lodged at a hotel adjacent to a racecourse, which is usually fully booked during horse racing events.

Another Weak Batting Display
Pakistan’s batting once again lacked determination. Imam-ul-Haq, playing his first match after a comeback, was overly defensive. Babar Azam got settled but lost his wicket yet again. From my front-row seat, I could clearly see the expressions of the spectators in the adjacent stands. Midway through the innings, a journalist friend from the UK pointed out a woman already reading prayers on her phone—an indication of the anxiety among Pakistani fans.

These passionate supporters invest their time and money to watch the matches, only to be met with disappointment. In the media box, the scenario was no different, with nearly 90% of the journalists being Indian. Due to visa complications, only a handful of Pakistani journalists could make it.

Seeing Qadir Khawaja was a pleasant surprise—an extremely hardworking journalist who had lost so much weight that he was almost unrecognizable. Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, now an ICC ambassador for the Champions Trophy, also visited the media box. When asked about Pakistan’s chances, he stated, "Only a big total can give us a shot at victory." Despite leading Pakistan to a Champions Trophy win, Sarfaraz remains humble, unlike the current generation of players, who see themselves as superstars after just a few matches.

Encounters with Cricketing Legends  
As I sat in the media box, a familiar voice said, "How are you, buddy?" Turning around, I saw Wasim Akram, who exchanged brief pleasantries before heading off for commentary. From my vantage point, I could also see fans throwing caps towards one stand, eager for autographs. Upon inquiry, I learned that Shahid Afridi was sitting there. Afridi remains extremely popular among Indian fans, yet Pakistan currently lacks an all-rounder with even 20% of his abilities.

Former fast bowler Wahab Riaz was also present in Dubai. Once the chief selector, he is now a mentor in the team setup. His past decisions, including selections for the T20 World Cup, are well-known, yet he continues to secure roles in the PCB. This time, his responsibilities seemed similar to those of Aaqib Javed, but despite changes in personnel, the team’s results remain the same.

A Deflating Defeat  
By the first innings' conclusion, most Pakistani fans had already lost hope. The once-intense Indo-Pak rivalry has softened over time. While players used to be friendly off the field but aggressive on it, they now appear cordial even during matches. When Babar Azam walked in to bat, Virat Kohli patted his back and exchanged a few words.

During breaks, Pakistani and Indian songs played through the stadium’s sound system, and fans danced along. In the dining area, I met renowned Indian journalist Vikrant Gupta, who has a celebrity-like following. He mentioned his upcoming trip to Pakistan for match coverage, where he enjoys a strong fan base. Meanwhile, other Indian journalists were already planning celebrations for their team’s inevitable victory.

With a low total on the board and dropped catches, Pakistan squandered its last remaining chances. The few Pakistani fans in the stadium started leaving before the match ended. Despite knowing the outcome in advance, they had still hoped for a miracle—perhaps a Babar Azam century or a five-wicket haul from Shaheen Afridi. But none of that materialized.

The concerns we had voiced before the match turned out to be accurate. As I exited, I overheard a disappointed fan remark, "We should now focus on the Bangladesh match and hope we don’t lose that one too!" The heartbreak of losing to India is something only a Pakistani can truly understand. Virat Kohli, even when out of form, still manages to perform against Pakistan, while our own "king" continues to disappoint.