TVs rolled into Dubai offices, Lankan expats ready for final

“Sorry Sri Lanka; it’s West Indies all the way,” was Chris Gayle’s cheeky retort post his team’s semifinal win against Australia in the Cricket World Twenty20 match.

Yet, as Gayle – prematurely say some – readies to rock ‘Gangnam Style’ tonight, the scene in Dubai is no less as the Sri Lankans pull out the party hats and whistles to support their country make history.

Restaurants are booked out, while some fans have already boarded flights and landed in Colombo to catch the final between Sri Lanka and West Indies.

Meanwhile, some companies have not hesitated in rolling in the televisions into offices to please their staff, while throwing open doors for customers to hunker down to root for their favourite team.

Such is the power of cricket, some say.

“Most of our tables have already booked out, with just a bare few left for fans,” said Dominic Vijay Mathias, Manager for Time Café, Ramee Royal Hotel.

Mathias added: “Many companies have reserved corporate tables for staff members to enjoy, while Sri Lankan fans and Indian supporters of the Asian team will come out in hordes to cheer on.

“I am, however, supporting West Indies, and mainly Chris Gayle to show some magic on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, it’s party central in the Dubai offices of Sri Lankan-based cargo and shipping company, Frico International.

Shipping Manager Steve Thurgood told Emirates 24|7: “The mood is one of definite excitement here and we have set up two huge TV sets in the office for our staff and entertain customers.

“It’s like a mini consulate here, and everyone is welcome to stop by, cheer their favourite team on and enjoy a cup of tea in the bargain.”

Thurgood said he will be partying at home tonight, with friends and family coming home to celebrate Sri Lanka’s place in the finals.

“We have a few concerns with Chris Gayle playing tonight, however, we Sri Lankans love West Indies. So I don’t we will be that upset if the other team wins tonight,” he shared. “But naturally, we hope to lift the cup.

“Plus, the final being played on home soil does give our team an added advantage. And also, considering Gayle has been performing so well this tournament, especially the last match against Australia, which added pressure to perform tonight can only work in our favour.”

While the staff at Frico have not been given the day off today, the manager did dangle a perk for his staff today, revealing: “Well, if Sri Lanka wins tonight, we may give our staff a holiday tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, several Dubai residents have also flown down to Colombo to catch the live action at the Premadasa Stadium.

Speaking from the Sri Lankan capital, Abdul Basit Qureshi described the mood in the city as “one big party central.”

“We are on the streets right now and things are fairly quiet; but it’s more like the calm before tonight’s storm, when people will take to the streets to catch the final in action and support their country,” he said.

Friend Yassir Abbasi, who has travelled with Qureshi, added: “You tonight is all about the home team and the fact that Sri Lanka is aiming to win their second world title after a gap of 16 years.

“On the pitch, bowlers have to perform today and Lankans have the added advantage of knowing the ground. That is who we are supporting tonight.”

The duo added that it is also the first they will be catching a sporting final in a stadium, live, thus adding to the excitement of the game.

“We will be a part of history in a small way, and that is more than anyone can ask for,” added Qureshi.

Twitter world is also divided in its support, with chances of a website crash predicted by several, according to some tweets.

But online support seems to be batting both ways, with no clear winner.

Alfred Hoffman tweeted: “It’s not Sri Lanka versus West Indies but Sri Lanka versus Rest of world. We all want West Indies to do well.”

Sanjay Jha added: “I like Chris Gayle. But I want Sri Lanka to win; consistent, modest, home crowd. Like Andy Murray, redemption in finals is required.”

Former Indian cricketer, Harsha Bhogle said: “Sri Lanka have better balance and superior bowling in these conditions. West Indies is the more explosive side in good batting conditions.”

Hamna however, says it best, tweeting: “In Sri Lanka the main point of conversation is the T20 final today. Or more like Gayle verus Sri Lanka.”

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