The semi-final of the current world cup cricket - 2011 between India and Pakistan is now the cynosure of all eyes. The two rival south Asian nations are once again facing each other in the prestigious encounter after a long time and the encounter has already generated somewhat unprecedented enthusiasm and interest not only in the region, but also in the entire cricket playing world and even beyond. Evidently only seldom such a much-hyped cricket match is witnessed, thanks to both India and Pakistan that they have provided the opportunity by reaching the semi-finals. The victor will play in the finals against the winner of another semi-final between Sri Lanka and the New Zealand. It is for the first time in the world cup that three south Asian sides have reached the last four in the tournament and this in itself is a big achievement for the regional cricket. Unless the "Black cap" Kiwis does something stunning in both semi and later in the final encounters, the world cup this time appears destined for one of the three south Asian teams. All the three regional cricket prowess could have the distinction of having the trophy for the second time. India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka - all have won the title before, but are longing for the trophy for the second time. Who would have the last laugh? Only time will give the answer. But any of the three is likely to win the coveted cup even though there is varying assessment about the eventual success. Bangladesh is the fourth regional cricket playing nation and took part in the current competition as a co-host, raising unprecedented interest and curiosity for the home fans. Although not a cricket power as such to reckon with, Bangladesh is neither at the nascent stage of the game and the admirers had pinned great hopes on the team. That the team has crashed out of the world cup in a rather very disappointing manner, despite some successes, is another story of dismay and frustration. It is expected Bangladesh would put the bitter memory behind and prepare realistically for the next cup four years from now in a fashion that would facilitate its importance and dignity in the game. After all, they are also a south Asian team and as such, cannot lag much behind when the fellow regional sides are making headlines in the current cup. All eyes are now at "Mohali" stadium in Chandigurh of north India - capital of two Indian states - Punjab and Hariyana. This is the venue which will send the finalist to Mumbai, the great cricketing city, for the ultimate match of the 2011 world cricket cup. The 30,000- capacity stadium is grappling with the much higher demand and reports said that tickets are really "Golden Deer" and fetching even twenty times higher than the normal price in the black market. Cricket enthusiasts also from Bangladesh are sparing no efforts to have a glimpse of the encounter from the ground. About 12,000 Pakistanis had applied for the Indian visa, how many will finally be able to see the match remains a big question since bigger problem is the ticket and not the access to India. Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has invited both Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for watching the Indo-Pakistan semi finals and Mr. Gilani has accepted the invitation. Dr. Singh, at the moment is somewhat embattled in India's domestic politics owing to a series of corruption-related scandal, although he himself is not tainted. He is believed to have gained political mileage out of the invitations he has extended to the leaders of the rival country. It is because his gestures have been liked by most Indians, although a small section of political and religious zealots has threatened that Pakistan team will not be allowed to play in Mumbai should they reach the final. The Indian press also welcomed the prime minister's invitation, saying Dr. Singh in the process is also boosting his political pitch in the Mohali! But rather unbelievably, some believers in superstitions are unhappy with their prime minister's invitations to Pakistani leaders! It has been reported that they believe matches seldom favour the home side, Indians, when a Pakistani high-up remains present in the field and cite examples of late president Gen. Ziaul Huq being in India twice. Then again, India is seen as the favourites because of their form and home ground, even though most people foresee a touch-and-go tussle where the pendulum may swing either side. In any case, all are looking forward to an entertainer regardless who would win since matches do produce the victorious and the vanquished. Here, all want a thriller, no matter who is the "Winner". However, undeniably politics, diplomacy and enmity are also associated with this cricket encounter. We hope, every thing would be taken in sporting spirit. - zaglulbss@yahoo.com
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