Pakistan cricket team fan Mohammad Bashir aka 'Chacha Chicago' has been an ambassador of cricket from a long time. He has built a good relationship with India's former captain MS Dhoni.
Those who don't know Bashir is crazy for Dhoni. He has admired him the most and always carries his autographed merchandise with pride. Bashir can be spotted in India-Pakistan clashes and with Ithe two rival's contest coming up, he is excited to be a part of the stands filled with passionate fans.
"I arrived here yesterday and saw that people are ready to pay as much as 800-900 pounds for a ticket. A return ticket from Chicago costs the same. Thanks to Dhoni, I don't have to struggle for a match ticket," he said.
The 63-year-old supports Dhoni's side over Pakistan when they clash against India. Bashir, the Pakistan-born is an American passport holder and owns a restaurant in Chicago.
Bashir stays in touch with Dhoni and doesn't struggle for tickets of India vs Pakistan match. "I don't call him as he is so busy. I keep in touch only through text messages. Long before I came here, Dhoni assured me of the ticket. He is a great human being. I can't think of anyone else doing what he has done for me since that 2011 game in Mohali.
"Imagine I get the ticket for free when most would pay a fortune for it. I have got a surprise gift for him this time and I hope to give it to him later today," he said.
Chacha Chicago met the players from both sides after his arrival to Manchester.
There is also an unknown fact about Bashir that his wife is from Hyderabad in India. That also makes him support India over Pakistan.
Bashir has made many friends while visiting the grounds. One of them is India's face of the fans Sudhir.
Talking about him, he said, "Sudhir abhi apni body pe tri-colour paint karwane gaya hain (Sudhir has gone outside to get the Indian tri-colour painted on his body).
"I book the room and we stay together. Thanks to allah, I am doing okay (financially) and that is the least I can do for a friend. I just gifted Sudhir a phone and it made him really happy. These are the little things in life that give you happiness."
Bashir also has medical issues. He has suffered three heart attacks in the past and thus, needs to carry medicines while traveling. "It is not easy with my medical condition. Ab toh aisa lagta hain jab tak cricket chal rahi tab tak saasen chal rahi hain (May be I am alive only for cricket)," Bashir added.
(With PTI Inputs)
