There are many reasons to look forward to the India vs Pakistan World Cup clash set to happen at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match is easily the most watched cricket contest around the globe but when a retired Block Development Officer from Haryana's Nuh district, Liyakat Khan, says he is looking forward to the match, his reasons surpass all cricketing rationales. The fixture between the two arch-rivals on October 14 is all set to provide Khan with an opportunity to meet his two-year-old granddaughter for the first time.
As per a report carried by Indian Express, Khan's daughter Samiya got married to Pakistan speedster Hasan Ali in Dubai in 2019 but ever since she has gone to Pakistan, she hasn't been able to put foot on Indian soil even once. Even when India-Pakistan clash was announced, it wasn't clear as to whether Khan would be able to take his granddaughter in his arms with Hasan Ali not named in Pakistan's provision World Cup squad.
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However, an injury to Naseem Shah during Asia Cup 2023 meant Pakistan chief selector Inzamam Ul Haq was forced to look for an alternative which is when Hasan's name was announced and Khan could harbour dreams of a family reunion.
"I want more cricket series between India and Pakistan. Hopefully, Hasan will play in Delhi some day, and we’ll be able to host him at our home. My daughter can come and stay at her house. Is this too much to ask for a father," he was quoted in the same Indian Express report which revealed that he was a Virat Kohli fan.
Khan said that he would request Hasan to help him meet more players when he finally gets to see him. The 63-year-old also prays for improved relationship between India and Pakistan so that everyone can co-exist together peacefully.