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For Liyakat Khan, the former Block Development Officer from Nuh district in Haryana, the upcoming India-Pakistan World Cup match in Ahmedabad on October 14 holds sentiments deeper than cricket rivalry. Beyond the electrifying atmosphere and the echoing roars of fans, the match signifies an intimate reunion — an opportunity for Khan to hold his two-year-old granddaughter for the very first time.
It's been a long, emotional journey since Khan's daughter, Samiya, tied the knot with the Pakistani cricketer, Hasan Ali, in Dubai in 2019. Subsequent to her wedding, border restrictions and circumstances kept her from returning to India.
Khan nostalgically told The Indian Express, “My wife went to Pakistan in 2021 when my daughter was expecting her first child. We will meet again, hopefully, in Ahmedabad. I can’t wait to hold my grandchild.” At 63, he resides in Chandeni village and eagerly anticipates this awaited family get-together.
However, the road to this reunion wasn't smooth. There was initial uncertainty surrounding the Pakistan team's visit to India. Furthermore, Hasan Ali's initial exclusion from the World Cup squad posed another setback. But fate intervened, and following Naseem Shah's injury during the Asia Cup last month, Ali found his way into the team.
With the intense rivalry and political undercurrents surrounding India-Pakistan matches, Khan treads cautiously while discussing the matter. He reminisces about the day Samiya revealed her intentions to marry Ali and cites the profound wisdom of the philosopher Rumi.
Khan muses, “I lived my life on one of Rumi’s quotes that I read during my college days in Rohtak. ‘Apne dil ki suno, bheed ki nahi (listen to your heart, not to the crowd)’. My daughter met Hasan in Dubai through a mutual friend. When she told me about him, I had unwavering faith in her choice.”
Highlighting the importance of individual choices and the futility of societal judgments, Khan adds, “What is the point of education if I force my decisions on her? She is educated, independent. Who cares what a few people say behind our backs? We have our extended families in Pakistan, who went there during Partition. Hasan is kind with a beautiful heart.”
As the conversation drifts towards the imminent cricket showdown, Khan expresses his fondness for the Indian cricket team. Revealing a conflict-free perspective, he says, “I have seen Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammed Azharuddin, but I am a Virat Kohli fan. Mujhe mohabbat hai Virat Kohli se (I am in love with Virat Kohli).” He adds humorously, “When I meet Hasan, I will request him to help me meet the players of my team (India) as well. I want to take a photo with Virat Kohli and give my regards to Rahul Dravid.”
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