The microcosm of all sporting fanaticism often starts in the family. Dubai, and the UAE, in that respect, offer several families the unique chance to sit on the same couch – but for all practical purposes – be countries apart.
Especially, when one spouse is from India and the other, from Pakistan. Especially, when India plays Pakistan in cricket. And especially, when it is the semifinal of the Cricket World Cup.
While political tensions between the two countries often prevent couples from marrying across the border, and those that do, often have to hide it to avoid social confrontation.
Here in the UAE, such tensions do not exist.
Except, of course, when Pakistan plays India in a cricket match.
Manoj Aswani and Sharmila are married for the last ten years and are as united as a couple can be – except for eight hours from 1pm this afternoon.
They have two children - Prateek, aged 10 and Kush aged 8.
“I am from Rajasthan in India, while she is from Hyderabad in Pakistan. She loves her team and I cannot give up mine. Our children grew up supporting both sides, but now that they are studying in Pakistan, they are leaning more towards Afridi & Co,” says Manoj.
Any competition between the two countries - be it in in sports or in another area results in much debate and discussion in the home.“But it all stops in the living room. None of this will ever affect the relationship between us,” he adds.
Another ‘Indo-Pak’ couple from Dubai, who asked not to be identified, say they invite common friends from both countries to build up their bench strength during a match.
“My wife is crazy about cricket and so she brings in her supporters and I bring in mind,”said the husband, who has been living in Dubai for the last eight years.
“During the match we are sworn enemies. After it, we are all best of friends again… irrespective of who wins,” he added.
Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza are perhaps the poster couple for India-Pakistan marital relations.
However, even here cricket affiliation rules.
“I support India and Shoaib will support Pakistan, as usual! The war is on… LOL… hahaha,” Sania tweeted from Miami, where she lost to Russian Maria Kirilenko at the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament.
“Yes pls be ready baby, it’s on…LOL… hahaha,” Shoaib tweeted back in return.
It would seem everybody is now ready.
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
