By Shaneer N Siddiqui Dubai 26 August : Restaurants and hotels in Dubai and Sharjah have provided a lifeline to die-hard Indian and Pakistani cricket fans who were unable to get tickets to the blockbuster match between the two teams on August 28 and have offered them mouth-watering deals to entertain their evening.
The thousands of fans were glued to their laptops and phones for hours, trying to purchase tickets for the game however only a handful were fortunate enough to get seats.
But, restaurants and hotels have come up with specials to make watching of the match enjoyable and offer delectable platters to ensure that friends and families can enjoy an evening of enjoyment, food, and music.
Adeeb Ahmad, the owner of “King — House of Mughlai Food’ in Sharjah The restaurant’s owner, Adeeb Ahmed, says he has set up two huge screens in his restaurant to watch Sunday’s big game.
“We receive constant inquiries and reservations from both groups and individuals who want to attend matches in the restaurant.The day of the match, we’d like to feel the warmth and love being shared among the fans of both nations.There’s nothing better to spend the evening than to watch the game with sub-continental dishes,” says Adeeb.
“Our platters will include an assortment of Pakistani with Indian foods such as Pakistani Kheer with Lucknawi Kawaband and Malabar Paranthas with Peshawari Chicken.
Because the two India as well as Pakistani fans are reserving tables at our restaurant we want them to take advantage of the game with tasty food and a feeling of friendship.We also have arranged for music that is popular in both countries.”
The “High Note Pool” as well as the Sky Lounge’ in Dubai has arranged to show “biggest cricket match” on a massive screen.The lounge is planning an evening of drinks, delicious food and a dance with the game.
Hari Kaimal, CEO of High Note, explains: “We have had to increase our bookings due to the fact of the massive numbers.There are now only some seats left for fans.”
The Music Lounge has arranged for Indian and Pakistani music to play during the game.Fans can cheer on their teams with their country music playing in the background.
Faizan Khan is an India team member has told IANS that he will be watching the game with his colleagues from work in a bar for the game as it was not possible for everyone of them to buy tickets on the internet.
“Our office team will be watching the game together.
It was extremely difficult to obtain tickets for each of them on the internet.We decided to go to watch the game at the sports bar,” he said.
Om Sharma Om Sharma, an Indian origins fan, said he was determined to get tickets to the match, but “luck didn’t favor” his efforts.”Now I’m going to a dining establishment with my family and can all enjoy the game together.”
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