ICC World Cup 2019: Pakistan-born MS Dhoni's fan arrives in Manchester to cheer for India

Former India skipper MS Dhoni, who is one of the biggest name in the cricketing world has won millions of hearts with the way he presents himself on and off the field.

Apart from his terrific performance with the bat during the World Cup 2011 finals, Dhoni was also in the limelight for handing out match tickets to Pakistan born cricket fan, Mohammad Bashir also know as “Chacha Chicago”. After which his relation with Dhoni evolved. India and Pakistan will lock horns in the World Cup 2019 on Sunday at Old Trafford cricket Ground.

Talking to PTI, Mohammad Bashir said that he knows MS Dhoni will make sure that is at the stadium when the first ball is bowled.

"I arrived here yesterday and saw that people are ready to pay as much as 800-900 pounds for a ticket. A return ticket from Chicago costs the same. Thanks to Dhoni, I don't have to struggle for a match ticket," the 63-year-old, who owns a restaurant in Chicago and is an American passport holder, said.

"I don't call him as he is so busy. I keep in touch only through text messages. Long before I came here, Dhoni assured me of the ticket. He is a great human being. I can't think of anyone else doing what he has done for me since that 2011 game in Mohali," Bashir said.

Thanks to Dhoni’s kind nature, Bashir has always been supporting team India over Pakistan which is his birth nation. Dhoni who is not easily accessable for even his teammates at times has made it a point not to disappoint Bashir.

The ticket price shoots up, when it comes to India vs Pakistan cricket match, but Bashir has been watching the thrilling contest for free since 2011, all thanks to Dhoni.

"Imagine I get the ticket for free when most would pay a fortune for it. I have got a surprise gift for him this time and I hope to give it to him later today," Bashir added.

After Bashir’s arrival in Manchester, he checked into the Pakistan’s team hotel where he met the players including the skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed and Mohammad Amir.

Bashir has survived three heart attacks till date, and carries as many as 12 medicines along with him while travelling.

"It is not easy with my medical condition. Ab toh aisa lagta hain jab tak cricket chal rahi tab tak saasen chal rahi hain (May be I am alive only for cricket)," Bashir added.