Re: India vs SL - Ahmedabad, Rajkot & Baroda One Dayers
From cricinfo:
Welcome to Pathan country
- Baroda awaits as Pathan gears up for his home debut. Auto-rickshaw drivers have dropped him to nets, shop owners have seen him play in the gullies, waiters in restaurants rattle off his favourite dishes, the mosque where he grew up is one of the most famous landmarks, and teenage girls emphatically state that he is "our Irfan" irrespective of what the rest of the girls in the country think. "But he may be rested," says one of the journalists to get the reaction from a bevy of young ladies. The reply is tinged with outrage: "Then the stadium will be empty and we will also rest at home." ***************
Im kinda happy for this guy. Another rags to riches story. Regardless of his performance, he's brought home lots of fame and fortune for his family, friends, cousins, colleagues, his city, state etc.
I heard somewhere (or maybe read here on gs, dont remember) that people in his neighborhood, at the masjid etc who used to know him and used to send him on errands (like do this, go to the market etc etc) dont summon him anymore because they dont feel appropriate sending a celebrity on errands. And because of this he himself goes to these peoples' houses to reassure that he's still their same *Ifoo *and they can call on his services whenever they like etc. Quite a noble gesture i think.
Sincerely,
Captain Lota