Heartbroken Pakistan fans pinning their hopes on Bangladesh
On Monday morning, right in front of the main entrance of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, a few local hawkers were selling flags of Bangladesh and New Zealand – the two participating teams in today's crucial Group A match – and of course of hosts Pakistan.
Even though he was selling flags of both Bangladesh and New Zealand, when asked, one of the hawkers was quick to answer where his and most of Pakistan's allegiance stand for the day, "We are supporting Bangladesh today."
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. This is the common sentiment among majority of the Pakistani fans at the moment after their national team lost both their games to New Zealand and India and are on the verge of early elimination from the tournament.
Bangladesh also lost their opening game to India in Dubai but if they win today, all four teams in Group A will still be in contention to reach the knockouts. However, a defeat against New Zealand will end both Bangladesh and Pakistan's hopes of semifinal qualification.
The anger amongst fans, media and former cricketers is palpable in Pakistan after their team's shocking performances in the ICC Champions Trophy so far, which is the first major ICC event in Pakistani soil after 28 years.
The headline on the front page of a renowned Urdu newspaper 'Daily Express' read, "Pakistan all but out of Champions Trophy. Now depends on ifs. The nation is disappointed with the loss to India."
One of the many miffed supporters is Hammid, a receptionist at the hotel this correspondent is currently staying at.
"Actually, I have lost all hope about this team. They don't even have the sense of how to play the game. I have already stopped watching their games," Hammad ranted to this reporter when asked about Pakistan's six-wicket defeat to India yesterday in Dubai.
Still, there are also a few optimists around, hoping that the Tigers would beat the high-flying Kiwis and keep both Pakistan and Bangladesh alive in the tournament.
"Please defeat New Zealand today. We hope you guys won't disappoint," said a policeman at the security check.
Only time will tell whether the Tigers fulfill the aspirations of two nations today or shatter the hopes of two different fan bases.
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