For a country where cricket is considered a religion, March 30 will represent history for millions of cricket lovers.
Cricket fans in the Kingdom will witness the biggest clash involving their national teams in four years. The semifinal is being treated like a final.
Indian and Pakistani residents in the Kingdom are gearing up for the match to be played in the city of Mohali. Most fans have taken a day off, organizing projectors for special screenings of the match and are equipped with flags, banners, and personalized jerseys of their teams and players.
While some companies have refused to give leave, other employers have installed TV screens in office premises or made arrangements for employees so they can enjoy the contest.
Due to a lack of venues airing the match live, most people have resorted to watching it at home with friends and family.
Cricket mania has spread like wildfire across the Kingdom as fans supporting India and Pakistan deem this match the biggest game of their lives.
“This is war. There has never been more tension and unrest before a game of cricket before. A billion people in India alone have been waiting to face the green rivals, and praying we beat them. It is not just a game for us. It is very emotional,” Malaika Khan, an Indian student from Jeddah, told Arab News.
Faisal Hanif, a Pakistani marketing coordinator, feels the Indo-Pak match has generated much anticipation and excitement for fans all over the world. “It is a clash of the titans. All my friends have taken a day off from work, and we are all going to watch the match on a projector with a large Indian and Pakistani audience to make it a lively experience. May the best team win.”
Hasan Sulaiman, a 32-year-old Pakistani businessman, feels entrepreneurs are losing out on a lucrative opportunity. “This is perhaps the most viable opportunity for cafés to make good money, but none of the big hotels are showing this semi-final. There are thousands of expatriates who would love to come out and demonstrate their love for their team, but sadly we have no options. I am sure the players are under immense pressure to perform and if they don’t do well they will be thrashed.”
Trident Hotel staff said they had trouble the last time they opened their venue to the public for World Cup and will not do the same again. Hilton guests can view the game in the comfort of their rooms but there are not many public opportunities to watch the semifinal.
Indian sales manager, Ayaat Ehtisham is planning to take a day off. “I need to come up with a convincing excuse, as I am afraid my boss will not understand the seriousness of the issue. This day will be remembered by all cricket fans. An epic battle between India and Pakistan, to us, is more than a game of cricket. It is very serious.
“As a proud Indian supporter I hope India wins the match and wins the World Cup. I am super excited and planning to watch it with my Pakistani friends. I hope we don’t beat one another up.”
Tanya Mulla, Indian marketing executive, told Arab News: “My grandmother is constantly praying, we all tend to call up our elders and beg for prayers. It not just about the team, it is about national pride. Even for my relatives in Pakistan, it is nerve wracking. I have lost all my Indian friends thanks to this World Cup.”
“Relations between India and Pakistan have been plagued by border disputes and undying accusations. This is an opportunity for some to gloat over the history between India and Pakistan. For others, it is a chance to come together and enjoy our teams playing the best game of the cup,” Shaji Siddiqui, a Pakistani entrepreneur in Jeddah, told Arab News.
Mohali has turned into a fortress. Close to 3,000 policemen will patrol the area and anti-aircraft guns will be put in place. The city has been declared a no-fly zone.
Including the massive spectator following, the prime ministers of both countries and a number of VIPs will be present at the event.
According to NDTV, big bets worth billions of rupees have been made for the Mohali clash.
Indian captain M.S. Dhoni admitted there will be more pressure on the Indian side. “People are saying win the semis, we don’t care about the final match.”
