Winds are blowing in Manchester, but it feels homely to many who have come from India to watch the ‘match of the tournament’. Plenty of Indians could be seen roaming on the streets of Manchester on Saturday.
Not just from India, Manchester is packed with Indian fans who have come from different parts of the world like Australia, India, South Africa and the United States. In the Piccadilly area, which is the heart of Manchester city, malls full of Indian Tourist. Local vendors are selling Indians and Pakistani flags, caps and T-shirts etc.
However, the rain forecast is a worry for many.
A group of cricket fans have come from the US. One of the fans Ashish Tripathi told SBS the chances of rain is a worry.
“We planned this trip six months ago, only to coincide with this match. We bought the flight tickets well in advance. We were disappointed after the India-NZ match was washed out in Nottingham. And now they are predicting rains on Sunday. I hope there is a game. We will be happy with a T20 match too,” Tripathi said.
A local Indian fan has organised a Bollywood night programme. Famous Punjabi singer Guru Randhawa performed at Victoria Wearhouse on Saturday. More than 2,000 fans enjoyed the live performance.
ICC has made some fan zones for the common people in the city centre area for the fans who could not manage a ticket to watch the match in the stadium. The match will be telecasted live on giant screens. Many parents are bringing their kids to play in the cricketing zone. Indian stalwart little master Sunil Gavaskar and Former Pakistani
Cricketer and chairman of the selection committee Inzamam Ul Haq were present in fan zone to play with the fans.
Locals went to the stadium one day before the match to enjoy the practice session.
People are still looking for the tickets for the match day. Some fans were ready to pay 1000 £ for a ticket.
