New York prepares for 'high-voltage' India-Pakistan cricket match
At the cultural crossroads of the world, New Yorkers will experience a thrilling first on Sunday -- a World Cup cricket match hosted in a US city between Asian powerhouses: rivals India and Pakistan.
Although both countries are cricket powerhouses, head-to-head matches are rare between the nations.
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The two sides do not meet outside of official competitions of the ICC, the international cricket federation, and the last test match between them was in 2007.
"We are going to take revenge, we are going to beat them," said Roop Sajnani, an Indian native who manages a sari store.
The 85-year-old recalled how his Hindu family was forced to move from what is today Pakistan into India, in the exodus that preceded partition in 1947.
Many of the businesses and restaurants in Little India are run by Bangladeshis, many of whom lined up behind Pakistan, from which Bangladesh gained its independence in 1971.
"Let's say we just like to see India lose against all the teams," said Mostakim Shahed, a 20-year-old student from Bangladesh, with a smile.
"If you look at Asia, yes, India is the best team," he said. "They are the richest cricket team... they already have support. Whereas Pakistan, they don't have really support."
- 'Bloodbath' -
Sunday's meeting is crucial for Pakistan, which risks elimination in the first round after a surprising loss on Thursday to the United States, ranked 18th in the world.
New York-based Pakistani journalist Wajahat S. Khan said he had "never been more excited or terrified about a cricket match at the same time."
"The data doesn't lie. Pakistan is likely to lose. It's likely to be a bloodbath. But you can never write off Pakistan's cricket team. Never."
The US win over sixth-ranked Pakistan has boosted interest in cricket in the country, where the sport remains well outside the mainstream.
"All the news channels are talking about it, people are explaining, what is cricket. People are understanding, what is cricket," Shetty said.
Beyond the tournament, which concludes at the end of June, the local cricket organizer hopes it brings "better infrastructure" for players in the New York area.
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They will not, however, benefit from the Long Island stadium, which will be dismantled in July, leaving local leagues to continue their quest for a dedicated arena.
