Pak hostages catch the cricket bug

The World Cup fever has managed to grip even the four Pakistani hostages presently lodged at the Yellow Gate police station after being rescued from Somali pirates recently. Surabhi Vaya reports.

The World Cup fever has managed to grip even the four Pakistani hostages presently lodged at the Yellow Gate police station after being rescued from Somali pirates recently.

HT Image

According to officers of Yellow Gate police station, the hostages watched the India-Pakistan semi-finals with them on Wednesday. Police said that the hostages were cheering for Pakistan till the end. Some of them, said an officer, looked dejected after Pakistan lost Shahid Afridi’s wicket.

“After the match they said that they were sad that Pakistan lost. Despite that, they are very excited about the final,” said an officer of Yellow Gate police station.

“They say they like it here because it’s a lot like home. Plus, the World Cup has them very excited. They’re as thrilled about the finals as any of us. They say they haven’t decided on who they think will win the finals,” he added.

Meanwhile, the four Pakistani hostages are yet to hear from their embassy. “Until the embassy responds, the 4 Pakistani and 12 Iranian hostages will be with us,” said MG Tope, police inspector of the Yellow Gate police station.

The Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guards had caught 16 Somali pirates in a joint operation off Lakshadweep coast on March 27.