Cricket bonds India-Pakistan fans despite rivalry

MANCHESTER, England, June 16 (Reuters): Noisy India and Pakistan cricket fans brought a taste of the subcontinent to Manchester on Sunday, their enthusiasm undimmed by the threat of rain looming over a World Cup match between the regional rivals that drew a massive global audience.

Organisers received nearly 800,000 applications for tickets at the 23,000-capacity stadium in the northern English city to watch the former champions who play each other only in global tournaments because of their soured political relations.

Another one billion watched it on television.

The Old Trafford cricket ground had a festive feel with fans from both sides wearing replica jerseys, colourful headgear and sounding hooters as they began trooping in.

Pakistan have never beaten India in a World Cup but Sarfaraz Ahmed's men received encouragement from Prime Minister Imran Khan, the former cricketer who led the country to their maiden World Cup trophy in 1992.

The nuclear-armed neighbours have gone to war three times since independence in the mid-20th century - and another conflict nearly erupted earlier this year, heightening the tensions around the action on the field.

The match drew fans from across the world, including Ankur Bajpayee, a 39-year-old telecom executive who took a 16-hour flight from Johannesburg just to attend a match he hopes would not be a washout.

"I landed here last night and going back tomorrow," he said.

"I've prayed for three things - the match should happen, India should win this match and they should win the tournament. I'm sure all three wishes will be fulfilled."

Pakistan supporter Hassan Ghani had flown in from his home in Los Angeles for the match he said he simply could not miss.

"The games against India are always the biggest games, the rivalry is so huge, the patriotism always comes out and the atmosphere is always great," he said.

Scores of Pakistani supporters wore the green team shirt and draped themselves in national flag, while their Indian counterparts wore turbans and colourful wigs as they filed in.

"It's India-Pakistan, it's the biggest rivalry in sports," India fan Jay Tailor, who came from Luton in southern England, said.

"As much as they may say it's just another game, the players are going to be nervous. With one billion people watching the game, of course there will be an element of nerves. It's not just another game."

Outside the stadium, Hussain was busy selling jerseys, scarves and hooters to fans from both teams.

"I've been here for just over an hour and have already exhausted my first lot," the 24-year-old Pakistani, who now lives in the English city of Birmingham, said with a smile.

"My hats are selling the most, because of the chance of rain."

Fans organised prayers in several Indian cities hoping the rain gods will spare the match.