© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli’s fanbase transcends borders, and this was evident during Sunday’s high-voltage Champions Trophy clash between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
A purported video of Pakistani fans celebrating Kohli’s 51st ODI century during a screening of the game at Murree in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad is doing rounds on the internet. Shared by Pakistani journalist Muhammad Faizan Aslam Khan, the caption for the video in Urdu read, “Cricket fans in Islamabad celebrating Virat Kohli’s century.”
Watch here:
https://twitter.com/FaizanBinAslam1/status/1893717123903394128
Though indianexpress.com could not independently verify the video’s authenticity, it has garnered over 2,87,00 views as several cricket enthusiasts hailed Pakistani fans for celebrating the sport and Kohli’s remarkable feat.
“This is what fanisam means, liking a human being beyond religion and country is great. Talent will be recognised any where in the world,” a user wrote.
“I seriously haven’t seen a cricketer loved in a rival country like Kohli in pakistan,” another user commented. “King has earned this fandom, and more thing there is one and only king, and he is Virat,” a third user said. “Craze of King Kohli doesn’t know borders,” another user chimed in.
Kohli’s 111-ball unbeaten knock of 100 off 111 balls helped India secure a six-wicket win in their second match in the Champions Trophy, virtually ensuring a place in the semifinals and almost ending Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying.
Soon after the victory against Pakistan, Kohi was seen kissing his wedding ring, which he wore around his neck. Meanwhile, Anushka Sharma celebrated her husband by sharing a picture of him giving a thumbs-up gesture to the camera and adding a red heart emoticon.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first in the game and could only muster 241. As Kohli anchored the pursuit, India chased the target in 42.3 overs, losing four wickets. Now, Pakistan relies on Bangladesh to defeat New Zealand on Monday, followed by a victory by a huge margin over Bangladesh in their final group match to have any chance of entering the semifinals.
