Birmingham. From Birmingham New Street Railway station to Edgbaston, it was a procession of fans creating traffic jams all the way. The queue for a taxi was so long that two of the frustrated fans asked if they could hitch a ride with me. They were two English bankers from London who had taken the day off to watch the India-Bangladesh match.
All through the way they mourned England’s defeat, and one said: “It’s time England played aggressive cricket like the subcontinent teams.”
The taxi driver warned us that it would be impossible to go anywhere near the stadium, but promised to drop us as close to the venue as possible. Even then it was nearly a two mile walk, but enjoyable along with all the fans, majority of them being Indians. Many were seen rehearsing traditional dances from the various Indian states on the way, and at some stage it became impossible to walk.
A Bangladesh fan kept shouting: “We are the Tigers, here we come ...” This was followed by others chanting Go Tiger Go ... Go to London.”
Flag sellers had fixed the flags on the grass mounds, and the sea of Indian flags made one wonder whether you were in the UK or India.
There was a major commotion at the entrance because of the presence of the famous Sachin Tendulkar fan — Sudhir Kumar Chaudhry.
Almost everyone wanted a selfie with him, and he was virtually mobbed.
Some Bangladesh fans, seeing the enthusiasm and crowd, were heard remarking: “It looks like Tendulkar has come disguised to enter the stadium through the crowd.”
Interestingly, some fans were heard asking Sudhir whether India would win the match and go to the final.
His response was like an expert since he watches most of India’s matches live even after Tendulkar’s retirement, carrying the legend’s aura.
While the press box at Cardiff was filled with English reporters, the Edgbaston press box has maximum reporters from India.
Before the close of the Pakistan-England match, the Glamorgan County team who are owners of the stadium, offered miniature bottles of Penderyn, a famous Welsh drink, along with Welsh cakes.
There was Welsh potato chips as well with the tag ‘Made from potatoes born and raised in Wales!’
Most of the English reporters, after England’s defeat, were in no mood for cakes or drinks, most of the goodies were left behind.
Many Pakistan fans in Birmingham, who had also bought tickets for the India-Bangladesh semi-final match, were seen selling their tickets outside Edgbaston.
“Now that Pakistan has reached the final, we have decided to go to London.”
A Pakistan fan proudly wearing the his team jersey was seen pointing to the Pakistan team emblem and saying: “We are the finalists. We will win the tournament too!”