With tempers expecting to reach the ugliest limits during the India-Pakistan World Cup match on Sunday, the Adelaide administration has issued an 85-point 'code of conduct' for spectators - one that specifically bars religious messages and anti-national chants.
World Cup fever is high. The temperature around the high voltage, much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash is four times higher.
Adelaide is buzzing. There is no hotel room vacant and fans are forced to camp around the city in the hope of getting a valid ticket and entry to the Adelaide Oval come Sunday.
The public ceremony, on Wednesday, where the Swami Army gave the defending champions a rock star-like welcome has set the tone.
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The Pakistan team also visited a restaurant named Tikka Shop, owned by a Gujranwala-born man, on Thursday night and stole the show by allowing the fans to click snaps with them.
Noted as the '20 minute city’ because of its small size, the buzz is more noticeable in Adelaide. Parts of Adelaide which are famous for Indian and Pakistan expats, Medindie, Walkerville and Prospect, give a subcontinent-like look, with flags of both the countries adorning the windows and roofs.
The Port Adelaide Cricket Club, which has a number of Pakistani and Indian players have made special arrangements for screening the match for those who failed to buy tickets, sold within an hour after being put on the sale.
The Indian Chapati house and Urbanspoon restaurants have planned special dishes for fans who have flown into the city since last week and the charges will match the high-scoring in the game.
With tempers expecting to reach the ugliest limits, the Adelaide administration has issued an 85-point 'code of conduct' for spectators - one that specifically bars religious messages and anti-national chants.
"The whole community has been waiting for the match," said Rahul Mehta, who runs a sports shop in an Adelaide suburb. "This match will be a big test for the Indo-Pak community of Australia who otherwise live as friends."
Mohammad Islam has come from Melbourne with his Indian friend, Ashish Vani and is promising no bitter feeling in case India maintains the tradition of beating Pakistan in World Cup matches.
"I am here only for cricket and rivalry is not in my sight," said Islam. "We are brothers and we will remain brothers come what may and a cricket match can never change this."
Everybody hopes it starts as a cricket match and ends in a cricket match, whatever be the result!
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