Cricket fans get ready for epic India-pakistan match

For Indian and Pakistani cricket fans in Dubai, today is a big day: Their home countries will be battling it out in the ICC T20 World Cup match.

Dubai residents have made plans to catch the action this evening. While many have shelled out Dh300 to Dh2,400 to watch the match live at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, several others told Khaleej Times they would tune in from home.

Some companies in the city have turned their conference rooms into ‘mini stadiums’, allowing employees to watch the historic event on a big screen.

Luke Craven, head of strategies at

I was really excited when I heard that my office has made arrangements for the match. I really appreciate their efforts.”

Athar Malpa, Indian expat

Yalla Compare, said they will be having a fun evening after work.

“We have a very diverse work culture with predominantly Indians and Pakistanis. We understand the importance and the sentiments linked to the cricket match,” said Craven. “Employees will be able to enjoy the live-stream at

The India-pakistan match is always exciting. But the excitement will double when I watch it with my colleagues.”

naveed Chaudhary, Pakistani expat

the office with refreshments. It will act as a get-together and a team-building activity.”

Athar Malpa, who works at Yalla Compare, said he was a bit disheartened when he failed to get a stadium ticket, but his eyes instantly lit up when he heard that his office had made some arrangements. “I really appreciate their efforts,” he added.

Naveed Chaudhary, a sales manager in the same company, said: “The Indiapakistan match is always exciting. But for sure, the excitement will double when I watch it with my colleagues.”

In a Khaleej Times poll on Instagram, two in 10 said they would be watching the game from home. Hiten Umrania, an Indian expat and marketing professional, said: “The tickets were sold out pretty quickly. But I will be wearing my blue jersey when I watch at home.”

Pakistani expatriate Umair Imtiaz said: “My country’s team has my full support. I am very excited for the upcoming game.”