HYDERABAD: Meet Chacha Mohammad Basheer, a 67-year-old Pakistani cricket enthusiast who has overcome several health challenges, including surviving a heart attack and managing diabetes, to travel over 8,200 miles (13,300km) and cheer for his beloved cricket team in India during the ICC World Cup.
Dressed in a Pakistan flag shirt and proudly waving the national flag, Basheer stands out as possibly the only native Pakistani supporter inside the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium where Pakistan defeated the Netherlands by 81-run in their opening World Cup match. Despite being the sole representative of his nation, Basheer’s enthusiasm is unmatched, proclaiming, “I am the only Pakistani here but my voice and enthusiasm are equal to 100-150 people in the stadium,” ahead of the match.
Basheer, who resides in Chicago and holds a US passport, managed to bypass the visa delays faced by many other Pakistani fans, enabling him to attend the games. He recently faced a tense moment at Hyderabad airport when police confiscated his Pakistan flag, but his passion for the sport remained undeterred.
The strained relations between India and Pakistan have led to limited opportunities for bilateral cricket ties, with multi-nation events like the World Cup providing rare occasions for the teams to face off. Despite the rivalry, Basheer advocates for love and affection over animosity and war.
Dedication of Pakistani Fan
Basheer’s commitment to cricket has taken him to various international tournaments, including the 2011 World Cup in India, where he received a match ticket for the semi-final in Mohali from Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He also attended the 2015 World Cup in Australia and the 2019 edition in the United Kingdom.
Suffering a heart attack during the UK World Cup, Basheer now travels with medication for diabetes and blood pressure, but his love for the game continues to fuel his determination to support his team. However, with Pakistan set to face India on the field, Basheer’s allegiance will be divided, honoring a promise to his Indian wife who supports the Indian team.
“It will be 60-40 — I have to go back to Chicago to live my happy life with my wife,” he said, acknowledging the delicate balance between his passion for cricket and his personal relationships.
Basheer’s story stands as a testament to the power of sports, transcending borders and health challenges to unite fans in the spirit of the game.
