Amidst the cross-border tension, an India-Pakistan couple takes a unique stand in Manchester

Over the past several years, India and Pakistan have been involved in some severe altercations. The relationship between the two countries has been a witness to several lows and it doesn’t seem to get better at least for the time being. Back in February, the Pulwama Attacks in Jammu and Kashmir saw around 40 Indian CRPF personnel, losing their lives in a terror attack conducted by Jaish-e-Mohammad. It resulted in tensed and strained the relations.

After the shambolic incident, a lot of people in India called for Pakistan to be boycotted from the World Cup and also to call off India’s match against their arch-rivals that was to be the centre of attraction. However, the match is taking place as per schedule on Sunday at the Old Trafford in Manchester. Despite what has been happening back home, a couple has made a heartfelt gesture during the match at Emirates Old Trafford.

While the husband is a Pakistan nation, his wife is from India. The couple came to the venue, wearing jerseys, which had half-the-outfit of both the teams. Amidst the chaos between the two neighbouring nations, their step undoubtedly comes as a breath of fresh air. The man was excited to attend the match and maintained a neutral stand stating that the best-performing team should win.

He also introduced his better-half, saying that she hails from India. “We’re supporting peace today. She’s from India and I’m from Pakistan. So we decided that we are going to support both the countries. We all support good cricket. Whoever plays their best game today, should win. And cricket should win today. That’s it,” the man was quoted as saying.

India makes merry after losing the toss

As far as the match is concerned, there were chances of rain that could’ve left the supporters as well as the couple disappointed. However, the rain gods kept quiet for the first 46.4 overs of the Indian innings. India lost the toss and were put in to bat first, Rohit Sharma stormed to his 24th ODI century.

KL Rahul got a chance to open the batting today and he turned up with a patient half-century. Skipper Virat Kohli also played a knock of substance. He took his time early on and then accelerated in the hour of need. The 30-year-old scored 77 runs off 65 balls and then became Mohammad Amir’s third victim.