'MS Dhoni is back so am I': Pakistan born Chacha Chicago wants to be in stands for India-Pakistan T20 WC clash

Pakistani's Mohammed Bashir is a big fan of MS Dhoni   |  Photo Credit: PTI

India and Pakistan share an intense rivalry on the cricket field, the fans of the two countries share a unique bond as their love for the sport overrides the cricketing battle. Over the years plenty of times fans from both sides of the border has exhibited their appreciation for players of the other nation. 

One of the most loved examples of this has been Mohammed Bashir popularly known as 'Chacha Chicago' who despite being of Pakistan origin is famous for being a huge fan of former Indian skipper MS Dhoni. In fact, Dhoni had reportedly helped him get tickets to watch the 2011 World Cup semi-final and the battle between the two teams in the 2014 T20 World Cup in Dhaka. 

However, last year when Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket, Bashir said that he will stop traveling to watch India-Pakistan games at ICC tournaments but with the CSK captain returning to the Indian dressing room as a mentor, he has come to UAE to watch the big clash between the arch-rivals in the 2021 T20 World Cup. 

While he does not have tickets yet for the game, Bashir is confident Dhoni will provide him tickets for the game even if meeting him is not possible due to the pandemic. 

He told Indian Express, “I am hopeful he will have the tickets ready for me. I did send him a message when I landed in Dubai. Due to Covid-19 restriction rules, meeting him will be a problem but I will be in stands on Sunday.”

Despite having health issues having had three surgeries to his heart, the opportunity to see MS Dhoni in the Indian dressing room again was too good for Bashir to let go of and has already been spotted by many cricket lovers in Dubai. 

“This might probably be the last time I can visit a tournament and watch Dhoni in the Indian dressing room so I couldn’t let this opportunity go by,” said Bashir.

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He added, "Yesterday when I went to have breakfast, a group of Pakistan fans met me and greeted me. When they asked whom I would support, my answer was the Pakistan team and Mr Dhoni. They laughed and called me a ‘gaddar’ (traitor). But I am used to it. I love both countries and humanity comes first anyway.”

Bashir has designed special masks for the match with a theme of peace, love, and friendship highlighted on them. He has also carved a T-shirt made with MS Dhoni's name on it. 

India and Pakistan will open their T20 World Cup campaign against each other on 24th October in Dubai.