The Unlikely Fans: British Asians Cheer for the Sub-Continent

As the second stage of the cricket World Cup begins at The Oval, it's clear that British Asians will be watching with fervor. In a remarkable display of loyalty, fans from the sub-continent have been aglow with excitement, turning a tournament that was once considered a home game for England into a carnival of cricket. With India, Pakistan, and other teams from the region advancing to the Super Six phase, British-born Asians are donning their national colors with pride. The author, a British-born Asian, recounts his own experience at the England versus India match at Edgbaston, where the stadium was awash with flag-waving supporters, both inside and outside the ground. The atmosphere was electric, with fans showering England players with boos and chants, while India supporters celebrated with singing, dancing, and drumming.

Key Takeaways:

• British Asians are among the biggest fans of the sub-continent cricket teams, with many showing a strong affinity for their parents' homeland.
• The cricket World Cup has become a carnival of cricket, with British-born Asians turning out in large numbers to support teams from the sub-continent.
• Fans from the sub-continent have been well-organised, with many securing tickets and travelling from across the country to watch matches.
• The England players were booed by British Asian fans at Edgbaston, while India supporters celebrated with fervor.
• Indian flags and T-shirts were ubiquitous at the match, with some fans even wearing Manchester United shirts with India flags emblazoned on them.
• The author suggests that British Asians cheer for the sub-continent because of their close family ties and affinity for their parents' homeland.
• Despite the author's own British upbringing, he admits to having a deep connection with India and its cricket team.

Statistics:

• Over 52 excited India fans stuck together on a coach to watch the match at Edgbaston, armed with flags, banners, and a Punjabi drummer.
• The match was attended by thousands of Indians, with many more searching for ticket touts outside the ground.
• An extended family of 25 showed up at the ground, complete with drums, banners, and bugles.
• Over 20,000-capacity ground was awash with flag-waving India supporters, with some fans dressed in coloured wigs and traditional Indian costumes.

Sources:

• "The Unlikely Fans: British Asians Cheer for the Sub-Continent" (author's recollection)
• "The Cricket World Cup 1999" ( various newspaper reports and broadcasts cited throughout the text)
• Financial Times Limited 1999. All Rights Reserved.