14 March 2004	Sunday	22 Muharram 1425

KARACHI, March 13: Tall claims by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of eliminating "VIP culture" proved wrong as so-called VIP's enjoyed privileges throughout Saturday's Pakistan-India cricket match.

Unknown VIPs were regularly escorted by some "influential people" to special enclosures while valid ticket-holders suffered and even had to watch the match sitting on ground.

Mr Ahmad, who bought Rs1500 tickets was not-so-lucky as he and his family members had to sit on ground to watch the game although quite a few seats were occupied by "VIPs" in the Hanif Mohammad Enclosure.

As the match entered into interesting stage after lunch, the press gallery, which should be reserved only for media, turned into public place as VIPs including TV artists occupied the seats.

A television artist could be seen sitting in press gallery since the match started, having accreditation card mentioning him as an representative of PCB's official mobile phone sponsor.

After lunch he escorted two of his buddies, TV actors who joined him after lunch.

Quite a few VIPs with their families sat till the match ended. Even an old VIP lady was seen dozing off while her companion watched the game.