LAHORE – Lahore is all set to give a deserted look today (Wednesday), as the entire nation will be glued to their TVs for witnessing the World Cup semifinal between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Cricket mania has reached its peak, as citizens have finalised their plans to witness the clash of the titans.
Half-day holidays have been announced in various private-sector offices of the city. Along with the battle on the ground of Mohali, media hype could also be witnessed on both sides of the border, which has been criticised by the Pakistani and Indian skippers. Indian media’s immaturity has also prevailed over the last few days, as it is targeting Pakistani players in order to pressurise the team.
Citizens said that this propaganda is to pressurise the Pakistani cricket team but this will hopefully backfire. Cricket fever has even caught all professionals including lawyers, doctors and journalists, as big screens have been arranged at Aiwan-e-Adal and Lahore Press Club. Cricket fans have also asked the government to make sure that law enforcement agencies remain on duty. They said that doctors should also not get relaxed and be prepared for emergencies.
According to the details, rates of Dholwalas have also increased ahead of the most-awaited encounter. A SMS campaign is also on the rise with youngsters asking their friends to wear green ribbons to support the team. Estimates suggest that live screenings have been arranged at thousands of places throughout Lahore including streets. Special prayers were also arranged for the success of the team.
The provincial metropolis will witness a festive atmosphere throughout the day as fans will be glued to their TVs from 9 am, as various TV channels will start their live broadcast from early morning in which famous cricketers and analysts will take part. According to a multimedia projector lender, the rent of projectors has increased drastically, as it was available for Rs 2,000 in normal days and now its price has jumped to Rs 15,000.
People were seen busy in discussing the combination of players, as most of them want to see Shoaib Akhtar play while others want Shahid Afridi or Abdur Razzaq to play at number three. Even those citizens who do not have a keen interest in cricket are taking a keen interest in the match.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Aitzaz Ahsan along with wife Bushra and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) Secretary General Mushahid Hussain Syed along with other fans crossed the Wagah Border to witness the clash at Mohali. Mushahid said that the credit goes to our team who gave a fantastic performance throughout the cup despite the fact that India barred our players from playing in the IPL but our players replied in a wonderful way.
A cricket fan, who was late to apply for a visa, said “Mohali is so near, yet so far from Lahore”. Citizens have also prepared themselves for celebrations if Pakistan wins including giving treats to their families and friends. Class nine students complained that they have to give their Urdu paper and students giving the exam in the second time said that their exam should have been rescheduled, as they will not get another chance to witness the ultimate battle.
On the chef’s menu: cricket!
