In a heartwarming display of passion for cricket, Ali Haider Iqbal Khan, a devoted Pakistani fan from Jhelum, sold his tractor to purchase a $3,000 ticket for the T20 World Cup 2024 match between Pakistan and India in New York. This highly anticipated game took place on June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
The match was a low-scoring thriller, with Pakistan narrowly missing the target of 120 runs, falling short by just 6 runs. Despite Naseem Shah’s valiant efforts in the final over, hitting Arshdeep Singh for a couple of boundaries, Pakistan could not secure the victory. Mohammad Rizwan faced criticism for his slow-paced 31 runs off 44 balls before being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah.
Ali Haider Iqbal Khan, who had invested significantly to witness this marquee clash, expressed his disappointment after the game. “I sold my tractor for $3,000 to watch the India vs Pakistan match, in which we lost. I was very disappointed,” he told ANI. The emotional roller-coaster of the match left him and many other fans heartbroken.
On June 12, Ali’s dedication took an unexpected twist when he came out to cheer for India in their match against the USA. Celebrating India’s seven-wicket victory, he stated, “Tractor ke paise India ne vasool karva diye,” expressing how India’s win justified his financial sacrifice. He praised Suryakumar Yadav’s performance, saying, “Surya has won my heart today.” You can watch his interview here.
Ali’s story is a testament to the lengths cricket fans will go to support their teams. His dedication highlights the deep-rooted love for cricket in Pakistan, where the sport is more than just a game—it’s a way of life.
Check out his social media profiles on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.