India will host Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup on Saturday, a historic bout between the bitter rivals that has sparked frenzied anticipation ahead of elections in both countries next year. It is the first time Pakistan’s team has travelled to India since 2016, marking a rare moment of bilateral engagement.
An eruption of cross-border violence in 2019 led the nuclear-armed neighbours to largely cut off political and economic ties. The contest has already fuelled a febrile political atmosphere, with figures on both sides exchanging inflammatory rhetoric in the build-up to the match, which has taken on heightened political significance against the backdrop of the looming polls.
Indian authorities have ramped up preparations for the match, the most anticipated of the tournament, which started last week. It will be played in Ahmedabad, Narendra Modi’s political heartland, where a crowd of more than 100,000 spectators will fill the world’s largest cricket ground, which was named for the Indian prime minister.
In response to soaring bookings of tickets, flight and hotels, officials announced special train services to carry more fans to the venue and celebrity entertainment before the match. Thousands of security personnel will be deployed. “India vs Pakistan is the biggest blockbuster in the game,” said Ayaz Memon, a cricket commentator in Mumbai.
Pakistan’s cricket board this week expressed “serious concerns and alarm” after its players, journalists and fans faced repeated delays securing Indian visas, with the team only receiving clearance 36 hours before travelling last month.
