Update: Dawn.com invites its readers to be a part of its first ever Global Blog and share their experiences by blogging in real time.
No matter where you are, just as long as you’re tuned in to the live coverage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 India vs Pakistan semi-final, here is your chance to provide your analysis, set the field, live commentate, share pictures and videos, predict the outcome of the match and have your say as Pakistan takes on India in what promises to be a cracking showdown.
For details visit Live: Pakistan vs India
The prospect itself is so hot that it does not require you to employ the art of phrasing and utilise your gift of gab in order to have your say, but have your say you must because its Pakistan versus India and the cricket fever doesn’t get any hotter than this! This is exactly why we at dawn.com would like to invite you to have your say and let it out your way regarding the biggest event, need I say, bigger than the World Cup final that the cricket crazy world is about to witness.
You can send us your critical analysis in the form of a blog post (blog@dawn.com) or shout out in a comment. You can also tweet at us @dawn_com or leave your comments on our Facebook page and we will feature it here along with all the other contributions from our readers. We’ll be challenging our own producers to come up with interesting content on the epic event to be held in the near future but we want you to have your say as well. Compose a song, make a webcam video cheering your team, or send us an audio visual slideshow! Do something and we’ll put it up for the world to see.
The internet has become an intense driving force in modern times as recent events have shown. Fuelled by the voices of the online population, this time around Pakistan vs India is bigger than ever! So, don’t miss out on this opportunity to have your say, your way, and let it rip. However, we do advise you, for the sake of “good sportsmanship” to refrain from the “free and frank exchanges of views on female relatives” which has always been an essential part of the India-Pakistan rivalry, as alluded to by Cricinfo.
P.S. Our friends from across the border are equal contributors to debates on our website, so let us be insightful towards content vouching India triumphing over Pakistan and not forget that as fans, what we’re really celebrating is the spirit of cricket.
P.P.S. The winner of this competition (it’s not really a competition, it’s just an opportunity for you to rant out whichever way you want) will get the chance to watch the Pakistan vs India Semi-Final of the ICC World Cup 2011 live on our competitor’s television channel!
The views expressed by the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
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Featured Comments
Taimur Sikander says, “This is what Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik had to say about the Pakistan-India semi-final on March 30: “I had given a warning yesterday (Sunday) that there should be no match fixing. This time I am watching it very closely. If any such thing happens, we will take action,” Malik told reporters in Karachi Monday.
“They should continue the practice and go to bed early, rise up according to their schedule and dedicate themselves to the game for Pakistan,” he added.
Mr Malik, we are also watching you very closely. Go to bed early, eat your cereal and focus on your job.
We’re sure it must be a tough job, picking out the right tie and handkerchief combination.
It is understood that you have since called and apologised to Pakistan’s captain, Shahid Afridi about your earlier remarks.
“A section of (the) press has twisted my statement out of context, and wrongly projected my words,” Malik posted on Twitter, Monday night.
You know what they say about those who speak too much…
P.S. The people do in fact trust the players more than they trust you, as is being said by many a Pakistani politician.”
Shagufta Naaz sent us a short piece titled “War Games”:
“‘Pakistan and India go to war in the semi-final’ screams the headline of a leading Urdu daily (incidentally, one of the same group that has been shouting itself hoarse in the pursuit of Hope for Peace). “It’s war!” say my friends as they gear up in green T-shirts (the price of which keeps rising as the date of the match draws closer). “It’s war!” state all the commentators, analysts and of course, the ubiquitous morning show hosts. Oh yes, a match between India and Pakistan can never be just that: a game between two teams; thanks to over 60 years of a very complex, painful history, any meeting in the ground is seen as yet another encounter with the enemy. It’s not just cricket, it’s war.
Excuse me, but am I the only one who finds this casual use of the ‘W’ word distasteful? Yes, winning against India is a matter of pride and honour (or so they say), more so even than winning against the Aussies, even though it was an Australian who called our captain ‘idiotic.’ What would our reaction have been if an Indian had said that I wonder?
But to come back to the impending semi-final, feelings are running high on both sides of the border — and even further ashore. Students studying abroad report that fights between Pakistani and Indian students erupt daily on campuses, even before the two sides have come together in the ground. These are kids, many of whom may not even have seen their ‘homeland.’ Certainly none of them lived through the horrors of Partition, the trials of the ’65 and ’71 wars or perhaps even the tense days of Kargil. So where is all this anger coming from?
Perhaps all Pakistanis are born with an anti-India gene; perhaps Indians too have an anti-Pakistan gene; and perhaps venting this anger at a cricket match is better than taking it out in a more deadly manner. But just for the record — war is about death, destruction and unimaginable misery. A cricket match is about fun, excitement and, if we’re lucky, a reason to celebrate. Let’s try to keep the difference clear.”
Comments on Facebook
Chinmay Sharma says, “Many ppl have said that this is just a game but lets be reasonable it is actually a war on sports field. India and Pakistan are playing after 4 years. It doesn’t mean that ppl will kill each other but its a kind of satisfying frustration of an uneasy relationship like tom and jerry. So far but so close.”
Muhammad Hasan says, “Clash of rivals, but with manners and ethics. 
bats not guns, balls not artilary crackers.”
Raahil Faraaz says, “There is huge excitement over the match and we are all looking forward to a great game of cricket that will be a victory for sport. It gives me great pleasure to invite all pakistani to visit Mohali and join us and the millions of fans from our two countries to watch the match.”
Zia Ullah Akhunzada says, “It ll be more than a cricket match.Pressure will be on both teams.A great chance for Pakistan to take the 1996 revenge.”
Tweets @dawn_com
Let hearts of both sides win…India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are the one nation for me. We all are brothers. No hatred anymore, I want peace.I want Aman and I want prosperity in the subcontinent. Jai Hind, Jai Pak, Jai Bangla
As an Indian, I want India to win the WC. If not than it should be our brother Pakistan.
Why not your other brother SriLanka? After all, they’re probably the best balanced side in the world today.
It’s just a GAME!!….
Enjoy it…who ever wins…support them…
At the end of the day we should see a wonderful match…tht’s it…
This is not the end of the World…
Pakistan bowling is better. Indian batting is better. India seem mentally tough and so do Pakistan. Its home advantage for us but Pakistan have a burning desire and will rise to the occasion. Should be a smasher of a day. I’m glad I have a HD TV above my desk at office.
From Kashmir – with love …Pakistan all the way.
Pakistan or India good luck and have a great fight.There will be only one winner and that is DIL DIL PAKISTAN.
Hi All,
It’s going to be great match for sure. I am an Indian and recently got married to love of my life and she lives in karachi. She is supporting pakistan and I am die hard indian fan. :))). I hope India should win this match and make me feel proud. Anyway best of luck for the pakistani fans and especially for my wife.:)
It will be a bowlers game. If India can withstand the Pakistani bowling onslaught then they have a fairly good chance to proceed further other wise SEE you in Mumbai. Out of 2 Pakistan has won 2 matches in Mohali so dear Indians be prepared to see the hat trick. My good wishes & prayers are with Pakistan. Go out and get it boys, you win Mohali and you win Mumbai
You know what? I am so so happy to read all these cordial, decent and beautiful comments from both countries..that makes me happy that we the citizens of subcontinent are not far behind in civility, care and respect for each other than any other nation in the world; such a great feeling. I will be watching on crispass.com live stream .. i know I could subscribe to dishnetwork but it is too expensive for me. wish I could fly from USA to India to watch the game in stadium. I am cheering for the greens but if they lose, they will lose to a great team. We, Pakistanis should not feel bad about it and be ready for the defeat.
Pleased to read such decent comments. I mean, yes we neighbouring countries can’t ask for more. Exictement is already in the air.
U r really great dear Riaz.
THIS IS BCOS… ALL THE MESSAGES ARE CHECKED BY A MODERATOR BEFORE PUBLISHING…. THANKFULLY
i will never understand why we fight in first place at all. we are same people , same language ,same food ,heck we all love bollywood ,cricket like religion… i hope may the best team win …jai hind , pakistan zindabad
Pakistan will win …the history says that …Pakistan has a far superior record over India…Pak only had some problems winning against India in Champs Trophy and World Cup but it has been sorted out as we saw in the last Champs Trophy…Sorry Indians …..and Please Do not burn the beautiful Stadium at Mohali….
Let cricket win….
It all would end up as all hyped, and would end as an one sided match probably. And I am afraid it would be Pakistan who will be knocked-out :*(
Let me quote a Pakistani college student in Islamabad who was interviewed on TV..
“Yaaron, yeh aakhir khel hai, koi jang nahin – aur khel mein toh haar-jeet hoti rehti hai.. Ise please jang na samjhein..”
What words of wisdom from a teenager!!
Never have felt the enthusiasm as this time around. Pakistan team is very impressive on the field, but truly said, not very dependable, thats what i feel. The Indian team is more matured and consists of powerful batting lineup. My prayers are for Pakistan to win this match and go all the way winning the World Cup.
If Pakistan doesn’t win, then India is my choice.
Hope this match brings good relations between the arch-rivals. We are so fedup of this rivalry…..need more matches like these.
right spirit….
I would be happy to see the best team win and one of these two teams to pick up the world cup. This is just a game, some one has to win and of course some one has to lose.
You are diplomatic ..this is just not a game , you will see that in the middle of ground in Mohali ..Please search and locate that old first aid box in your house .. you will need it because India is going to win !!!!!!
all of my friends are from India,,we still call each other and talk about the games,, but i decided after the game get over, i will wait at least a month calling them let the wound get cured and healed.
I want to watch a close game not a one sided one. i want the players hug and shake hands at the end. I dont want the players to curse . Let the players prove it to the word that we are the best and the sportsmanship begins here.
Good Luck Boom Boom Pakistan.
From where we started I think Pakistan have won already.
INDIA’S ECONOMY IS BOOOOMING AND SO IS THE CRICKET TEAM…. THIS IS A CERTAIN WIN FOR INDIA
You Ediot. What has a growing economy to do with the cricket team or the outcome of this match
Nothing excitement easy gonna for India. Cosidering Present condition & World cup’s past record as well as Ponting’s remark.
90 % possiblity of win for India, Pakistan has just 10%. considering present conditions & world cup’s past record. It will be easy win for india i think. No excitement will be there.Lop sided match.
Straight talk !!!!!!!!!!!!!
hello, i am from indonesia and there are lot so many indian are here who have cricket fever right now, i wish to allah that india should win so that i can go india soon to seeing this amazing country in the world
It is going to be a great match, but one of the teams will win and other will lose too, we should accept it cheerfully, and not feel hurt whether India or pakistan goes down, it is only a game. Just because of the turbulent relations between the two great neighbours ever since the Britsh rule ended in India, when ever there is a match between India and Pakistan, we give it a color of war not sport, spots are peace not war. There is always a day after. Real happiness and prosperity in both countries will come only through peace. If i have to look deep in my mind, my complete happiness will come only through good relations between two countries, it is possible because of our bond. So, good luck India and Pakistan, enjoy the match, team that loses this time, has always chances to win next time.
LET’S PLAY THE GAME IN THE SPIRIT OF GOODWILL, PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP. THE COMMON MAN OF BOTH THE GREAT COUNTRIES DESERVES A BETTER LIVING, NOT TENSION. DOWN WITH ANIMOSITY. UP WITH NATIONAL PRIDE. GOOD LUCK. HAPPY WATCHING. PAKISTAN ZINDABAD. JAI HIND.
I think we Indians should get rid of this damn cricket which is effect other games in India, see how great we have done in Commonwealth games and Asian games in spite of lack of facilities. I think we have great sporting talent as such a vast and diverse nation but we lack the infrastructure that is required to develop other games. We are too big country to get stuck in one silly game called cricket.
I Wholly agree with you because nobody noticed the news that we beat Chinese Taipie and Pakistan in the AFC football qualification tournment in malaysia.
lol!! u ppl r freaking out =D this is only a game , take it as a game ….Who wins is ones own luck!! as both sides r good thts why they came on this position..n plz No Heart Attacks!! =) n if ur upset of these teams coming face to face,,,go smwhere for outing n miss it!! but i repeat NO HEART ATTACKS!!
BUT I MUSTT SAY ONE THING…BOOM BOOM U BRING THE CUP HOME (PAKISTAN)!! Work HARD we all R with u…you win or not you still are our Heroes!! rest of the ppl need to sleep tight =D
LET’S PLAY THE GAME IN THE SPIRIT OF GOODWILL, PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP. THE COMMON MAN OF BOTH THE GREAT COUNTRIES DESERVES A BETTER LIVING, NOT TENSION. BOTH TEAMS SHOULD PUT IN THEIR BEST. DOWN WITH ANIMOSITY. UP WITH NATIONAL PRIDE. GOOD LUCK. HAPPY WATCHING. PAKISTAN ZINDABAD. JAI HIND.