Bangla Press Desk: It was business as usual at a café on Tourist Club Road in Abu Dhabi. The small shop, well known in the area for its ‘Kadak Chai’ and Indian snacks, was bustling when a Pakistani national was seen attending to someone connected with the shop.
The conversation between two people from countries often considered rivals was surprising: an Indian man was helping his South Asian neighbor, who was struggling to keep his business afloat in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Unlike in the past, it has become increasingly difficult for Pakistanis to obtain a UAE visa, making it harder for them to sustain their livelihoods.
The political differences between the two nations seemed to have little impact on their personal relationship – and cricket, as always, appeared to be an extension of that shared culture.
The India-Pakistan rivalry often takes a backseat when cricket is played in the UAE, and for a long time the world witnessed their clashes on the field – thanks to Sharjah and Abdul Rahman Bukhatir.
In the desert, cricket becomes a bridge for peace
Banglapress
Published: 23 September 2025, 10:26 AM
Bangla Press Desk: It was business as usual at a café on Tourist Club Road in Abu Dhabi. The small shop, well known in the area for its ‘Kadak Chai’ and Indian snacks, was bustling when a Pakistani national was seen attending to someone connected with the shop.
The conversation between two people from countries often considered rivals was surprising: an Indian man was helping his South Asian neighbor, who was struggling to keep his business afloat in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Unlike in the past, it has become increasingly difficult for Pakistanis to obtain a UAE visa, making it harder for them to sustain their livelihoods.
The political differences between the two nations seemed to have little impact on their personal relationship – and cricket, as always, appeared to be an extension of that shared culture.
The India-Pakistan rivalry often takes a backseat when cricket is played in the UAE, and for a long time the world witnessed their clashes on the field – thanks to Sharjah and Abdul Rahman Bukhatir.
[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]
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