ICC World Cup 2011 (India - Sri Lanka- Ba

Originally posted by sam_ahmed yes Amal, not to forget this is Pak's first big SF after 1999, they did very badly in last two editions.The atmosphere here in India is quite amazing, in my office, gym (although I'm not regular to gym anymore), neighborhood, buses, streets, everywhere I hear people talking about 30th March, people in office planning to get down with some illness on that day, my friends having big arguments over who is gonna win and how India is so much better ... and well just about everything related to that game is being discussed. My friend says "God will not allow Pakistan to win" which really made me laugh... another says "it will be a cakewalk for India" while some are pinning high hopes on sachin to win it once again for India. The moment I say "Pak will be tougher to beat than Aus", people look at me as if I have said something sinister. It's quite amazing really.I have to say, never in my life have I seen excitement about a game as much as this. not even when India were in the finals in 2003.

Yes the excitement and frenzy is just building up. One things for sure the productivity of both countries is gonna reduce on the 30th. Lots of sick leaves, half days expected. And those who expect it to be a cakewalk hasn't put on his cricket hat on.

Pakistan has a wonderful story going on for them. The build up to their WC was absolutely shambolic. No other team but Pakistan I tell you would've been capable of such a comeback . They turn out in their best attire whenever everyone writes them off. Its been a fairytale for them so far really. And have got this bad feeling that its not gonna end here.

Yes India still the favourite going into the match but we all know that counts for nothing here. If any, whenever the two teams have met at the WC previously the odds were in Pakistan's favour. Like Imran Khan, I do feel this tag of favourite will be a lot more added pressure on them Indians, like it was for Pakistan previously.
   

Sam, you can watch the games on the net, it's what I do at work when West Indies and India are playing.  I don't do it for all the games because that would make me not do much work he he.

You can watch the matches Live at ESPNSTAR.com ie. if allowed. Also the end of the financial year making it even difficult to bunk work. Still trying to summon the courage to break a bone.

On other news the black marketing of tickets for the IndoPak game has got really ugly. 250rs ticket sold at 25000rs. 10000-15000Rs tickets being sold at a mind boggling 1lakh Rupees. Apparently one has already been arrested. Cops have send out warning signals too against the selling or buying of black tickets.
Speaking of which is there anyone out here who would be attending the game.

Edited by vote4peace - 28 March 2011 at 6:23am

The black market flourishes everywhere and while people are prepared to pay ludicrous amounts for big match tickets , it always will be with us.
              Personally I have no problem with it - if someone has a ticket and wants to cash in , then he should be allowed to do it. What needs cracking down on is the supply of counterfeit tickets and ticketing scams on the internet - they are criminal and the culprits need jailing.

Thanks mate - will be really really really good!! Even the Pakistan replica shirts now cost 5 times more than what they did a week ago!! Have to get that on though - to make the presence felt.

Thanks mate. Yes hoping to have a great time there. Would not want a repeat of my previous and only visit to India. Not great memories attached. But I am truly excited about this one. Leaving for the airport in three hours time!!

Edited by zuhair_abbasi - 28 March 2011 at 11:11am

The police could at least let this occassion pass, everyone is caught in the hype.

Edited by spin wizard - 28 March 2011 at 1:54pm

Originally posted by zuhair_abbasi Hey I am off to Mohali tonight - very excited about it. the newspaper I work for is sending me as their representative - it all just happened so quick. Still cant believe I will be there. More importantly, it wont cost me a single penny - it does not get better!!

welcome to our country zuhair and have a wonderful time ... have a happy and safe journey! not too sure if there will be any rooms available in chandigarh though... apparently every damn hotel room is booked!!!

Originally posted by Amal Waow Zuhair, you lucky man....hope you enjoy there. I'm confident that this time Indians will show hospitality towards Pakistani people

Cricket is what bonds Pakistan and India! Hopefully, win or loss, we don't see riots or the sort after the match.

Yesterday's game saw all the who's who of Indian celebrities, from the film fraternity to politicians.. from the PM's and delegates to billion dollar business men.

Really enjoyed watching Sonia Gandhi(Leader of the Ruling Party) and Isha Sharvani ( Actress and Zaheer's ex - lucky ******). Both were very child like and a lil too crazy.. Isha very much herself, But a very not so usual Mrs Gandhi

Well cricket in India is like a religion and that was a major game for India so it's understandable that so many popular personalities attended. they must have been overjoyed with India's victory. That was probably the biggest game of the tournament so far!

 The 2011 CWC has been a sponsor's delight with the ad rates soaring to record heights for a cricket match in the Ind/Pak semi-finals costing 17-18 Lakhs for 10 seconds(monumental increase considering it was @ 3.5Lakhs/10secs when the tournament started).
Apparently the finals expected to fetch 25 Lakhs per 10secs.

The TRP/TVR/TAM ratings have been really good with the highest avg TVR for all matches recorded upto the QF not surprisingly being the IND/AUS one at 12.34 TVR.

http://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/headlines/y2k11/mar/marmam110.php


Edited by vote4peace - 01 April 2011 at 1:42pm

Following stats of Sri Lanka is very impressive.

2003 Champions Trophy - Joint winners
2003 WC - SFs

I know it Mikey :-). This was a sarcastic response to one of the posts in the other thread.

Not an example of not being able to take anything good written about the neighbouring country Sam. Case of someone not able to digest the world cup victory of their own country. Otherwise I don't see any reason for talking about the no.1 test ranking which is totaly out of context at this point of time.

I understand the disappointment of the fans when their side is on the losing side, as I myself have experienced it many a times. Did you see mee posting any teasing/sarcastic  responses to the fans of their country when we won the WC?

Had it been Zuhair/Kahmad/Shan or someone posting about their team's long term objectives, I would have either added any positive comments or kept quite if I had nothing to add. Here is a case of supporting the team because of religious bias. And I am afraid, this is not the way it should be.