'I can’t wait to hold my grandchild' - Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali's father in law hopes to reunite with his granddaughter during ODI World Cup

As the highly anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 approaches, cricket fans around the world are gearing up for the biggest clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on October 14. However, this match holds special significance for one man, Liyakat Khan, hailing from Nuh district in Haryana, who is eagerly awaiting not just the cricket match but also a heartwarming family reunion.

Liyakat's daughter, Samiya, tied the knot with Pakistan's fast-bowling star, Hasan Ali, back in 2019. Their love story transcended borders and boundaries, uniting two souls from rival nations. In 2021, the couple welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl, but due to travel restrictions, Liyakat hasn't had the chance to meet his granddaughter or see his daughter in person since the wedding.

With the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 set to take place in Ahmedabad, India, this month, Liyakat Khan sees this as a golden opportunity to not only witness a thrilling cricket match but also to embrace his family once again. His excitement knows no bounds as he eagerly anticipates the moment when he can hold his beloved granddaughter for the very first time.

“My wife went to Pakistan in 2021 when my daughter was expecting her first child. We will meet again, hopefully, in Ahmedabad. I can’t wait to hold my grandchild,” Liyakat was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

My daughter met Hasan in Dubai, I never doubted her decision: Liyaqat Khan

Liyakat Khan's unwavering support for his daughter's choice to marry Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali comes from a deep belief in following one's heart, as he reflects on the words of the famous philosopher Rumi- "Listen to your heart, not to the crowd."

“I lived my life on one of Rumi’s quotes that I read during my college days in Rohtak. ‘Apne dil ki suno, bheed ki nahi (listen to your heart, not to the crowd)’. My daughter was working as a flight engineer with Emirates Airlines and met Hasan in Dubai through a mutual friend. She told me about him and I never doubted her decision,” he said.

“What is the point of education if I force my decisions on her? She is educated, and independent. Who cares what a few people say behind our backs? I told her it doesn’t matter who she is getting married to as long as she is happy. We have our extended families in Pakistan, who went there during Partition. Hasan is kind with a beautiful heart,” he added.

As a cricket enthusiast and a fan of Indian skipper Virat Kohli, Liyakat Khan hopes to request Hasan Ali to arrange a meeting with Indian cricketers during the World Cup match.