Patriotism thy name is cricket and Pakistan vs India cricket to be precise. Leading up to the Mohali semi-final there was such a tsunami of nationalism that even the most cynical, Paki-bashing, second-passport-seeking locals were surprised to discover that they were closet patriots. Our parliamentarians quickly cashed in the passion. They formed a 51 member delegation to witness the contest and represent their people in India though somebody needs to launch a protest with the media for playing down their role as cheerleaders. Witnesses say that PM Gilani and PM Manmohan Singh were so diplomatic that they failed to smile through out the cricket match lest it be misinterpreted and the truce put in jeopardy. That is one way of looking at cricket. Sonia. Gandhi and son Rahul sat in an enclosure not a box which shocked some of our VIPs who thought it was such a common thing to do. That is yet another way of looking at cricket.
However, the contest did prove beyond a doubt that if Pakistanis love watching Pak-Indo cricket, they love betting on it even more. We hear that the volume of betting by Pakistanis ran into billions. Was it all placed on a Pakistan win? Now, nobody is that patriotic.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It is widely believed that a mans character is shaped by two factors hereditary and environmental. That explains a lot of things about the behavior of a certain interior minister of a certain province we dare not name. We hear that he is the son of a former session judge which could explain his recent outbursts against the superior judiciary. And now about why he roars like a lion. Word has it that he maintains a private zoo and last year he added two lion cubs to his collection, bought from a Lahore breeder. In fact that is about the time he started roaring at the ANP, MQM, ML and now the judiciary.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For feedback, comments, suggestions and, most importantly, tips, contact us at whitelies@pakistantoday.com.pk