'It's just a game': Dubai students have a message for India-Pakistan fans
The temperature was rising even three hours before the start of the high-octane ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan at Dubai Sports City on Sunday.
As thousands of fans, with India's blues outnumbering the Pakistani greens, made a beeline for the entry gates, a group of teens caught the eye.
The bus carrying the Indian team had just arrived, and the teens were waiting to catch a glimpse of India's stars, especially Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Only one of them was Indian, the rest of the four were all from Pakistan.
And all five of them arrived at the stadium with two collective goals — enjoy the match and spread the message of friendship.
'I think it should be seen as a fun competition, you should not take it so seriously. Just enjoy it as a game of cricket and enjoy it with your friends and family,' said Saanvi Rupnar who is from the Indian city of Pune.
Zara Syed, who belongs to Karachi, said their friendship with Saanvi proves that people from the two countries can always get along well.
'I think the reason there is tension between the two countries is the politics,' she said.
'But normally people are fine with each other, and as you can see here, we can be friends and come together for a game of cricket between India and Pakistan.'
The five teens are Year 13 students at Gems Wellington Academy in Dubai.
'As Zara said, the tension is mainly because of the politicians. But we believe politics should not dictate the friendship between the people of India and Pakistan,' said Alina Khan, whose family is 'Lahori' (residents of Lahore) from the Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Any game between India and Pakistan can leave the spectators on the edge of their seats.
But regardless of the result of Sunday's match, nothing will change in their lives.
'Win or lose we will always be friends,' said Muhammad Syed.
While Saanvi admires Pakistani fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, her four Pakistani friends gave just one name when asked about their favourite Indian player.
'We all love Virat Kohli, he is the superstar,' said Zulaym Khan.
Finally, the five friends admitted that it's a blessing to be in Dubai.
'It's very uncommon nowadays to get India-Pakistan matches in cricket, so it's amazing to be part of this Champions Trophy match in Dubai,' said Alina, referring to the lack of bilateral cricket between the two teams.
Saanvi agreed. 'India vs Pakistan in cricket is such a special occasion,' she said.
'And we are so grateful that we are Dubai residents which has given us this opportunity to watch this great contest.'
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