Highlights:
- Pakistani fan expresses love for Virat Kohli, defying India-Pakistan rivalry.
- In a viral video, a Pakistani girl sends a message of neighbourly love amidst the Asia Cup cancellation.
- Young fan’s admirable affection for Virat Kohli garners global attention.
Rain forced the cancellation of India’s highly anticipated Asia Cup match against Pakistan.
Nothing puts the India-Pakistan animosity to the forefront like a cricket match between the two neighbours. A video of a Pakistani girl expressing her affection for Indian player Virat Kohli is becoming popular online amid the cricket fever when sentiments frequently verge on jingoism.
The unidentified girl states in the video that Kohli is her favourite player and that she came to the stadium specifically to witness him during the Asia Cup 2023 opener. She continues, “I was expecting Kohli to make a century during the high-voltage match between the arch-rivals, but he got out quickly, and I was heartbroken.” The fan also depicts the Pakistani flag on one cheek and the Indian flag on the other.
Pakistani spectators in the stands were unimpressed by her blatant adoration for an Indian player. When an older man tries to interrupt her, she responds, “Chacha, padosiyon se pyaar karna koi buri baat toh nahi hai” (Uncle, loving your neighbours is not a bad thing).
Later, when asked to select between Pakistani captain Babar Azam and the Indian player, she chooses Kohli. The mob behind her boos and screams “very bad” in response.
An X user commented on this video, saying, “I don’t see anyone from Pakistan saying this for Rohit or anyone from India saying this for Babar.” Kohli is enormous. He is adored beyond rivalry.” “People who watch cricket are the best on both sides of the country,” wrote another. As an Indian, I like several Pakistani players and have no ill will against them. “Respect those individuals.”
The match took place on Saturday at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Kohli scored four runs off seven deliveries before being caught off Shaheen Afridi’s ball.
