The AFL International Cup will head to the Peter Jackson VFL this weekend, with two games scheduled as part of the Round 19 VFL fixture.
On Saturday China and Finland will clash prior to the North Ballarat versus Williamstown match, and Pakistan and India will battle for the Dosti Cup after the Essendon versus Richmond match also on Saturday.
The sporting rivalry between Pakistan and India – usually waged on the cricket field or hockey pitch – is as fierce as any around the globe and makes Carlton v Collingwood look like a match between two old friends.
The clash is one of the highlights of the 2014 AFL International Cup and will be the first ever Australian Football meeting between the two countries.
While the skills of both sides may be still developing, a huge crowd is expected to attend the game, scheduled for 4.00pm at Highgate Reserve, Craigieburn.
Both Essendon FC and Richmond Fc have strong ties with the Indian community but it’s the Tigers’ colours that the team’s players will wear during the tournament.
The Pakistan side will wear a traditional green strip and are known as the Shaheens, which is the Persian word for Falcons.
While India has competed at the International Cup in previous years, this is the first time Pakistan will be represented.
- CLICK HERE to listen to Pakistan captain Ovais Rehman talk about the International Cup
To celebrate this historic match, dignitaries from both country’s consulates and leaders of both communities have been invited to attend.
The day will also see Pakistani and Indian food on offer and include dancing, and an exhibition Kabaddi match (traditional sub-continent sport that involves aspects of wrestling).
AFL Victoria Engagement Manager Xavier Moloney said the International Cup matches were another example of how football can break down barriers between cultures.
“To have a Pakistan v India game as part of the International Cup is really exciting and is part of an overall push from AFL Victoria to introduce the game to culturally diverse sections of Melbourne.”
“We’ve had in a place a steering committee for a few months now with members representing Richmond FC, Essendon FC, the AFL, AFL Victoria and members of the Indian and Pakistani communities, to make sure the event is a success.
“The support of Essendon FC and Richmond FC in this venture has been fantastic with both clubs embracing the chance to engage with the multicultural community.”
AFL Victoria Multicultural Coordinator Kashif Bouns, who was also the founder of the Pakistan team, said both sides would be desperate for victory.
“The Dosti Cup is about bringing the Indian and Pakistani communities together and generating positive relationships through football but victory is still vet much the aim for both sides,” Bouns said.
“Growing up in Pakistan, when we played India in anything it was always a huge event, where people would take the day off to stay home and watch whatever sport was on offer.
“Hopefully we will have a large crowd in attendance at Highgate Reserve on August 16 and throughout the International Cup at all of Pakistan’s and India’s games.”
Williamstown has had a close association with the South China Australian Football League over recent years, and the China team trained at Burbank Oval during the week.
Twenty five teams, 18 men’s and seven women’s, are taking part in the 2014 version of the AFL International Cup, the fifth time the competition has been held.
The men’s Grand Final is fought out at the MCG on Saturday August 23.
For more info head to: http://www.afl.com.au/global/AFLIC14
Last Modified on 14/08/2014 19:23