Despite all the rethoric, Pakistan is finally in India for a historic 50-day cricket series
HOWEVER non-seasonal, however long in conception and in spite of so many obstacles that have plagued the current visit of Pakistan to India, the tempo is picking up by the hour. The media have expressed the view of the cricket follower by headlines that are slightly altered versions of “At last, it is on”.
In fact, Pakistan is in the news on a daily basis. Ghazal singer Ghulam Ali in concert, Pakistani actresses in Bollywood, President Musharraf recalling the travails of the sixties, the ever changing drama of Shoaib Akhtar, the bus that will ferry travellers back and forth across the border in the north of the subcontinent and the newfound wit and repartee of Inzy make for a marvellous prelude to the cricket feast ahead.
The battle lines were supposed to read ‘Shoaib versus Sachin’ or ‘Afridi versus Harbhajan’. But these things never really work out, do they? Our crowds, on either side of the border, are very personality oriented and they will miss the controversial quickie. But they lap up the likes of Afridi and Youhana. The buzz in the cricketing circles is that since this team, variously described within Pakistan itself as a ‘club side’ or ‘weakest ever’ by former players (who should perhaps stick to watching cricket from VIP boxes!), has now the advantage of having plenty of the pressure taken off them.
The Ahmedabad standoff was a storm in a teacup, and everyone — with no exceptions — is happy it is all sorted out. Kolkata is even ecstatic and will turn out surely the largest crowds. Eden is the happy hunting ground for the likes of Salim Malik, the big Khan and a host of old timers. The Pakistanis love the city not only for its biryani, but also for the knowledgeable and appreciative crowds and the deep affection for the men from across the border. Yes, the last time the One-Dayer was played in November, the spectators were a bit quiet when the visiting batsmen were piling on the runs, but let us wait and see if the different centres keep their promise of giving the visitors a fair hearing.
This morning, while 90 per cent of media space is reserved for the annual budget analysis, the rest of the 10 per cent goes not to the Iraq blast, but to the big tour ahead. Pictures of Youhana and his family, Afridi in his dashing beard and a smiling Inzy are plastered all over the press alongside finance minister Chindambaram’s portraits.
The Indians are taking solace from the fact that their team is well balanced. Proven spin and pace is available in equal measure. The batting is second to none around the world either in the five day game or in the abbreviated variety. The boys and Ganguly radiate a quiet confidence but keep mouthing the cliches that India are not necessarily favourites, although you can see they feel that way clearly.
The weather is not conducive around the country as the barometer is already soaring. It will be hot and humid as is so often the case in battles between the two countries. It surely won’t affect the players but the attendance will suffer.
Pakistan carry enough youngsters to merit some worry when the chips are down, but then of all the teams in international cricket, Inzy’s Pakistanis have the track record of delivering when thrown in at the deep end, in cricket, hockey or squash.
On this side of the border, the cricketing traumas have been off the field with courts of law, TV channels and the rest caught in a bitter battle to telecast the series. The solution is by no means permanent but for the time being will have to suffice.
So deep-rooted is the cricket bug currently that a few days back the finance minister used several cricketing analysis in his budget speech. He contrasted the dash of Sehwag with the sedate approach of Dravid to illustrate how industry should remain steady rather than spectacular and a couple of times the third umpire and the match referee were also involved.
All this augurs well for the series ahead and if India are to emulate the fine example of the neighbours, we are all hoping that the goodwill, hospitality and sportsmanship shown by spectators will be as amazing as they were across the border the last time out when India toured Pakistan.
Mohalim Eden and Bangalore have by and large the reputation of offering batsmen friendly wicket and there is for, whatever reason, plenty of talk about indecisive encounters. But then on the other side, the weather is no factor at all. There is very little likelihood of rain or bad light at the height of spring. So the experts will be looking at high scoring matches which perhaps reach positive conclusion towards the fifth day.
One-Dayers always have a logic of their own and more about them later when the strength on each side becomes clearer. And while on the subject of one-dayers, it must be mentioned in passing that Sachin Tendulkar will be facing the test of his life as many are beginning to write him off for injury, age and burnout. It will surely be a big series for him.
Despite all the rethoric, Pakistan is finally in India for a historic 50-day cricket series 
