Take it or leave it, there is no denying that an India-Pakistan cricket match affects most of us.
Arriving at the Attari border that was open till 5:30 pm to accommodate the rush, Mushahid Hussain, former cultural and sports minister of Pakistan said, "Although cricket diplomacy has not worked in the past but I am sure Mohali will be different."
Such is the nature of hope.
From former external affairs minister of Pakistan to Chaudhry Abdul Jalil aka 'Chacha Cricket', it was cricket in the air as the Attari border saw around 200 Pakistani cricket fans enter India on Tuesday carrying flags and friendly banners to support the Pakistani team in Mohali.
Arriving at the Attari border, former external affairs minister of Pakistan, Khurshid Kasuri said, "Although cricket cannot resolve issues but it certainly creates a conducive atmosphere for peace talks. The gesture of the Indian Prime Minister to send an invitation to his Pakistani counterpart was great. Cricket is a common factor among the people of both the nations. This can lead to a positive dialogue between the two countries as well."
Also in India to watch the match with family is Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt. He said in very near future we could expect a full cricket series between India and Pakistan.
{{/usCountry}}Also in India to watch the match with family is Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt. He said in very near future we could expect a full cricket series between India and Pakistan.
{{/usCountry}}"Today both the nations face same problems such as terrorism and that is why I feel that for restoring peace, Mohali will be different," said Hussain. Former MP Rai Aziz Ullah echoed the sentiment.
Enthusiastic fans were seen making victory signs, singing and narrating the mood back home over their cellphones. "India-Pakistan zindabad. I have seen almost 500 matches in stadiums, but this the biggest match," said Chacha cricket.
"People back home are in an upbeat mood and hoping for the best game of cricket," said Haseeb Asif, a cricket fan.
Another aficionado Hamna said, "Everybody wanted to come for this game but that's not possible. There are problems getting tickets, but we are lucky to have it." Let the game begin!