Who said cricket was dying in the Caribbean. With the World Cup in the Caribbean, this has given a new lease of life to the sport. And especially excited is the Indian community who is looking forward to see their team in action.
For Suleiman who came to Barbados after his marriage in 2004, this is now his new home, though the bond with his homeland remains. And just as strong is his passion for the game many Indians describe as religion - cricket.
"I see the guys out here just like to enjoy the cricket. It does not matter who loses or wins. It only matters who is playing better and just that," Suleiman says.
For the 3,000-strong Indian community residing in Barbados, it is always special when teams from the subcontinent come. They have fond memories of the old timers, from Dilip Sardesai to Nari Contractor to Sunil Gavaskar.
"In those days we had no Indian restaurants. So they all - Anshuman Gaekwad, Ravi Shastri - they all had dinner. Pakistani players similarly, they wanted halal food, so we gave them. So we have a good rapport with them," Rafik Patel says.
Indians, they feel haven't changed. It's the Pakistani side that has transformed into something that the Indians are known for - discipline.
"The Indians have basically been the same. I find that the Pakistani players have been a lot more friendly, lot more docile. The Pakistani players are a lot more friendly, while the Indians have been similar to what they were from the old guys, the Gavaskars and the Shastris and those guys, and now the Tendulkars, the Dravids," Anwar adds.
Barbados is hosting one India match and the World Cup final. Most of them have already got their tickets, and are hoping for the dream showdown.
"I am rooting for India, my favourite is Sachin," Suleiman says.
Nearly 3,000 citizens of Barbados are of Indian origin. Many of them still have close ties to their homeland.
When the Indians come here to play three super league matches, for them in many ways it's going to be home away from home.
Bookmarks