June 25, 2008	Wednesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 20, 1429

KARACHI, June 24: There was a distinct lack of interest among cricket enthusiasts when the ninth Asia Cup cricket tournament began simultaneously in Karachi and Lahore on Tuesday.

Despite even the fact that hosts Pakistan were playing Hong Kong, the National Stadium wore a deserted look with barely a handful of spectators to egg on their heroes. The reason for this was obvious – the strong possibility of a one-sided match.

For the opening two Group ‘B’ matches involving minnows Hong Kong, the tickets have been deliberately ‘low-priced’ in a bid to attract people with the highest being in the range of Rs600 and the lowest priced at Rs50.

Another reason that has forced the cricket followers to avoid coming to the ground is the current spell of oppressive hot weather with both the temperatures and humidity touching high.

India, who make first appearance in this year tournament against Hong Kong on Wednesday, will undoubtedly draw a much larger turnout when they clash old foes Pakistan in a keenly-awaited contest on Thursday.

The tickets for that game have been reportedly sold out despite being on the expensive side with the highest denominated tickets priced at Rs2,700 each for the best stands, followed by Rs1,700 for the next best. The lowest-rated tickets for Pakistan-India game are priced at Rs100 for the general enclosures.