With the local mosque decorated in the green and white colors of Pakistan, Wazim Karim dreamed of watching the Asian giants play in the World Cup Super Eights here.
But like many others around the world, the 28-year-old was left devastated and angry after the early exit of Inzamam-ul-Haq's team.
Another fan, outraged by Pakistan's shock departure, ripped up the 50 tickets he had bought for matches here.
PHOTO: AFP
A chef by profession, Karim agreed to work as a volunteer at the tournament so that he could see the Pakistan team, who were scheduled to play three matches in Guyana, at close range.
Instead, he had to settle for watching debutants Ireland, who beat Pakistan in the first round, begin their Super Eights campaign against England at the National Stadium on Friday.
"For the Muslims of Guyana, it [Pakistan's early exit] was a big wound," said Karim, wearing a Pakistani shirt after playing cricket outside the Grove mosque.
"They are our fellow Muslims and we would have got some good lessons in cricket and Islam from Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq," Karim said of the former Pakistan captain and batsman, who now sport beards and also preach.
Yousuf converted from Christianity to Islam in 2005 and said his conversion helped him achieve more discipline and success.
For some, cricket is a common religion here in a country which also sees Hindu and Christian festivals celebrated with equal fervor.
"I am missing both India and Pakistan for we have people here of Indian origin and, without Pakistan and India in the tournament, we don't like to go and watch other teams," Mark D'Souza said.
Ireland dumped Pakistan out of the tournament with a three-wicket win, while India lost to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to suffer the same fate in the first round.
For the emotional Mohamed Asif, who claims to bowl like Pakistani paceman Shoaib Akhtar, it was something which could "kill" him.
"We can never comprehend what happened to Pakistan and India. Pakistan going home has kept the people away from the stadium here," said Asif, who had initialy bought 50 tickets for Pakistan's three matches before tearing them up.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely