Undeterred: Polio-stricken spectator moves thousands at Gaddafi Stadium

Iqbal spent his hard-earned money to visit Lahore and managed to reach the stadium, but with struggle

Nasir Iqbal is suffering from polio but that could not deter his resolve as he came to the Gaddafi Stadium and dragged himself on his hands to witness just a glimpse of the Twenty 20 skipper and star all-rounder Shahid Khan Afridi.

Iqbal - a resident of Kharian spent his hard-earned 1000 rupees to visit Lahore – and managed to reach the stadium with struggle.

As he reached the FIFA Gate on Ferozepur Road, police officials sought his ticket at the entrance, but all what Iqbal possessed was his National Identity Card (NIC).

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Inspired by his passion, PCB officials intervened and allowed him to proceed. On his way to the ground, the spectators were equally moved to witness the resolve and zeal.

“I’ve come all the way from Kharian to see a glimpse of Shahid Afridi because he is my hero and I love watching him bat,” Iqbal told The Express Tribune.

He maintained, “Despite being a poor man, I spent Rs 1000 just to reach the venue in hopes that I will be able to see Shahid Afridi and meet him”.

Iqbal continued to shock this scribe, “This is the first time I have ever come to the stadium and hopefully my efforts will not go in vain.”

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Regarding his disability, Iqbal said he is happy to be alive and has refused to be affected mentally by the suffering, adding “I know how to live a happy life.”

“I’m very strong mentally and do not get depressed by my condition. People might stare at me with sympathy but I do not like it. I am a cricket fan and a human being like everyone else.”

Wishing the Team Green everlasting success, he hoped more foreign teams would visit Pakistan, inspire fans like him and make their lives happier.