COMMUNITIES in Bradford are gearing up for an exciting T20 Cricket World Cup final between England and Pakistan on Sunday morning.
After struggling early on in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia, a late surge propelled Pakistan into the final.
England blasted their way into the final with a win over India, buoyed by some excellent batting and great bowling by Bradford-born England cricketer Adil Rashid.
Rashad Bokhari, general manager of Khidmat Centre in Bradford, said: "People in the community are excited England and Pakistan are in the finals and for it to be happening in Australia is a greater point of pride considering it was predicted that India and Australia would be in the finals.
"The Pakistan cricket team often do well in the World Cup and although they seem to get off to a shaky start, they certainly got a second wind in their sails.
"Inevitably, people's loyalties will be divided and that is understandable.
"Our elderly residents are looking forward to watching the match at the Khidmat Centre on Sunday morning as this is their local space to convene.
"We hope the match will be watched in good spirit and whichever team wins, we will be celebrating."
Mr Iqbal, an elderly resident who visits the Khidmat Centre, said: "My team is in the finals and that's all that matters."
When asked which team that is, he simply said 'England.'
Umaimah Siddique, 17, a youngster who uses the centre and is a cricket scorer, said: "It has been a real dilemma knowing who to root for in the finals because both teams are close to my heart.
"Either way it is a win-win. I am however really proud that Pakistan has made a comeback. It shows it is never too late."
"We have a nice mixture of England and Pakistan supporters at our club," said Brian Pearson, secretary of Woodlands Cricket Club in Oakenshaw.
"A lot of our juniors have a South Asian background, and cricket is the national sport in Pakistan and India, so they're really excited.
"It's not quite the same as football is really popular here, but there will certainly be a lot of us rooting for England.
"From a Bradford perspective, it's a good thing England and Pakistan are in the final. It's good because of our diversity and we're all friends together."
Cllr Sabiya Khan (Lab, Wibsey) said: "It's quite exciting. It's a game that will bring the community together.
"There will be a bit of friendly rivalry and a bit of banter but I'd be happy with either team winning."
"My grandson in nine-years-old and, ultimately, he supports both teams.
"Adil Rashid is a role model for many young people.
"Bradford has a large percentage of the community who have a Pakistani background, but equally they are British.
"My garden backs onto Bolton Villas Cricket Club, so cricket is on my doorstep.
"It's such a gentle game that brings communities together, but people are also very passionate about it."
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