MS Dhoni makes a kind gesture ahead of final; arranges a complimentary ticket for a Pakistan fan

MS Dhoni

Indian skipper MS Dhoni drew flak from some corners for having said that the intensity of India-Pakistan clashes of the past were no longer prevalent in the modern day.

Dhoni’s latest gesture is indicative of the fact that he did really mean what he said about the rivalry.

Die-hard Pakistani cricket fan Mohammed Bashir, who came all the way from Chicago to support his team, was the recipient of a complimentary pass for the ICC World T20 final between India and Sri Lanka and it was arranged for by none other than MS Dhoni himself.

“I was watching India’s training session yesterday but I didn’t have any tickets. Dhoni is familiar with my face as he has seen me before the Champions Trophy’s Indo-Pak game in Birmingham. I told him that I don’t have a ticket to watch the finals.

“Dhoni then called some “Kaka” (trainer Ramesh Mane or ‘Mane Kaka’) and told him to arrange for my ticket. Kaka promptly gave me a complimentary pass. I am completely moved by his gesture,” the new “Chacha Pakistani” told PTI on Sunday.

Bashir was also expectedly chuffed after having met the Indian captain and briefly chatted with him.

“He (Dhoni) asked about me and I told him that I am settled in Chicago. Since I was standing there for a long time, he told someone to give me fruits. I am a Pakistan fan but for today, I am a Dhoni fan. Also I have another India connection. I am Hyderabad’s son-in-law as my wife hails from the region,” a proud Bashir said flaunting his final match pass.

Bashir is a pretty popular figure in the stands and is known for his trademark kurta in the design of Pakistan’s national flag. He has also won the hearts of many Bangladeshis after he was seen supporting the team during one of their matches.

Bashir, who is extremely passionate about cricket, will also be travelling to Australia and New Zealand next year for the 50-over World Cup.

“I have booked tickets for all the Pakistan matches. Those cost around 20 dollars save the Indo-Pak match ticket. It cost me around 80 dollars but never mind, it’s an India-Pakistan match, I would have bought it had it cost even more,” Bashir said.