LAHORE – After Pakistan won the Cricket World Cup 2011 Quarterfinal against the West Indies the youth turned to the streets. Youngsters were seen dancing and shouting slogans in support of Pakistan on the city’s main roads including Jail Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, the Canal Bank Road and the Mall. Loud music was heard playing in cars on the streets. It had seemed that the 23rd March and cricket celebrations had combined. Earlier, roads were swept empty as hardly any traffic was seen on them even during rush hour, the first quarterfinal of the Cricket World Cup 2011 was being played and the public was watching.
This public holiday was dedicated to cricket fever. Almost everyone seemed obsessed with the main event of the day, Pakistan facing the West Indies. Living up to its reputation, Lahore had many events lined up for this grand match. Cafes hotels, restaurants, food centers, cinemas and art galleries had made arrangements to screen the big event. Restaurants on MM Alam Road were seen jam-packed as people poured in to see the match.
The biggest event of the city was held at Lahore Expo Center in Johar Town where a crowd of 2,000 showed up. The people were jubilant as Pakistan dictated the Windies right from the start. Screaming, jumping and dancing, it was a festive sight where nothing but smiles could be seen. The ticket was for Rs 300 only. Imran Mohsin, one of the organizers, was excited to see a large number of people turn up for the event. He said they have planned to organize more such events as Pakistan climbs up the ladder to the final.
“I like this idea very much, cricket on the big screen, Pakistan versus the West Indies quarterfinal and a lot to eat”, said Ashiq Husain, a spectator.
“We want this to continue, the only regret was that the match ended very soon, we thought we’d be partying until 11 pm”, said Mir Mohib. “Pakistan should have not taken the match so early”, he added smilingly.
Wayside screens were broadcasting the match while roadside news ticker boards were being updated after every ball. City 42 had placed a screen in front of the channel building for the public to enjoy the quarter final clash. MM Alam Road, the city’s food hub, hosted a variety of events. Cafe Downtown, Sheikhoos Cafe, Caps Cafe, Saferon, Cafe Hip Hop, Espresso Coffee Bar, Jamin Java, Freddy’s Cafe, Hardee’s, Park Plaza, Hotel One and many others screened the match in a festive atmosphere.
All big cinemas of the provincial capital were packed with public. Defence Cinema, Sozo World and Cine Star all got in on the act. DHA and Cine Star cinemas sold ticket at Rs 1000 Sozo World officials told Pakistan Today that their tickets ranged from Rs 250 to 300. They said people showed a lot of interest in watching matches at cinemas and therefore they want to make the most out of the matches.
