Karachi-born Mohammad Bashir aka 'Chacha Chicago' is one lucky man. The avid Dhoni fan has been getting tickets for Indo-Pak games all around the world from none other than MSD himself. Bashir has now come to England all the way from Chicago without a ticket for Sunday’s clash between India and Pakistan. Just like all of us, he has the belief that Dhoni will ensure that he has the golden ticket in hand before the match. He said: “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 connection between Captain Cool and the restaurant owner started in 2011 when Dhoni arranged a ticket for his fan in one of the most anticipated matches in Mohali. It’s no surprise to us that the Pakistan-born Bashir now supports India more than his own country when the two teams face off. Talking about his star he 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. 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 who checked into the Pakistan team’s hotel has already met the players. His next stop was the Indian team’s hotel. While he also supports his homeland of course, the fan’s love for India stems from his Hyderabad based wife and our all-time favourite Thala Dhoni. On match days, his outfit has both India and Pakistan colours and flags as he calls himself the ambassador of peace. Bashir also has a famous Indian friend, the super-fan Sudhir who applies the tricolours on his body. The duo is staying together in Manchester. 

The fan seems to be taking after Dhoni in his generosity which can be seen from his gesture to the Sachin fan: “I book the room and we stay together. Thanks to Allah, I am doing okay (financially) and that is the least I can do for a friend. I just gifted Sudhir a phone and it made him really happy. These are the little things in life that give you happiness.” Bashir who has survived three heart attacks believes that he is only alive for cricket. Hope to see the Dhoni fan cheering in the stands on Sunday.