It's World Cup after all, say disgruntled India, Pakistan fans

BRIDGETOWN/BARBADOS: They may not have seen their teams in action, but fans from India and Pakistan found some solace in sunshine, a Caribbean cruise and a World Cup match.   

Thousands of fans had planned their visit several months in advance in anticipation of a high-voltage India-Pakistan clash here.   

But after the former champions crashed out in the first round they were left to watch Bangladesh playing Ireland at Kensington Oval.   

India against Pakistan would have been a 22,000 sell-out. However, after an hour on Sunday, organisers threw open the gates in a desperate attempt to fill the half-empty stadium.   

"We had to come, after all it's still a World Cup match," said Dhruv Patel from London, who nearly abandoned his plans after India's defeat against Sri Lanka in the preliminary round.   

India bowed out of the tournament after losing two of their three group games - the worst being a five-wicket loss to Bangladesh who replaced them in the Super Eights.   

Pakistan, champions in 1992, crashed out of the tournament following their defeats against the West Indies and a surprising three-wicket loss to debutants Ireland.   

"It is like money thrown in the bin. But I decided to make the most of the holidays and come and watch some cricket."   

Some 3,000 or more Indian fans came from the United States and the United Kingdom much to the delight of local hoteliers who have caused outrage by charging up to 600 US dollars for a night's stay.   

Some fans left instead for Grenada to watch Asian giants Sri Lanka where tickets are available at half the original price. Figures suggest some 5,000 people preferred to cancel their tickets despite the heavy losses as hotels refused to refund advance payments. For some, meeting old friends was a consolation.   

"I reached here at 2 am in the morning but having spent a lot of money, I thought I must come," said Pakistani fan Ahmed Faruqui, who has come from Orlando with his friend Mohammad Faisal.   

They met old pal Ranjeet Rangarathan who has come from Chennai, India.   

"My father-in-law had surgery in Karachi last week and he insisted that I don't abandon the tour. It's worthless because I wanted to watch a India-Pakistan match but I am wondering around the beautiful stadium," said Faruqui.   

Rangarathan was incensed over India's abject surrender.   

"I am very angry and disappointed. Watching Jeremy Bray and William Porterfield instead of Sachin Tendulkar and Virendar Sehwag added to my anger, but it's out of my control," he said.   

Indian fan Sanjeet Verma's loss was his wife's gain - she is Irish.   

"I am here just to spend my holidays which I had to spend, and for my wife who is Irish," said Verma, an electrical engineer.   

Even the Irish fans felt for the Pakistan and India fans.   

"I feel sad for the fans who have come from far off places in India and Pakistan, but this is the World Cup and you expect upsets like this," said Dermot Parker from Belfast.   

"We feel proud at Ireland's achievement. You play well and you progress. Perhaps India and Pakistan will learn from Bangladesh and Ireland."