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
Dear Pakistani Brothers & Sisters,
You have never won a single game in the world cup against India (ODI + T20 combined) even with your world cup winning team in 1992. To digest that you are going to win this time against India is very hard and reading the comments from some of the pakistani friends here, one (from India or Pakistan) needs to go to hospital for curing the severe indigestion.
Biswarup.
History is written to be re-written.
Besides did you know that India lost both the games they played in Mohali against Pakistan. How about this piece of statistic to back Pakistan?!!!
Playing and watching cricket is wasting of time. We shall not waste our precious time and we will be asked for on Day of Judgment that how we spent our time. People of Afghanistan and Pakistan need to totally abandon cricket and instead, they should learn swimming, horse riding, hiking and climbing K-2.
It does not matter if India or Pakistan win cricket.
Why bothering making comment then?
The Day of judgement is on 30 th March at Mohali and the players will be asked how they played that day for years and if they did badly they will be crucified again and again till they are live !!!
What a nice joke in the middle of a hell!!..
Good One
Friends and teams, treat it to be a game, and appreciate the team that wins. Let not your emotions turn to anger and destruction.
All I am hoping to see is the Indian fans giving Pakistan credit when credit is due, obviously dont expect them to support Pakistan, but as one Indian gentleman above mentioned its a game only, but more than a game, many countries are expecting us to behave badly towards each other, lets not give them any satisfaction, root for your teams, celebrate, dance, but do smile at your oppnents, this will bring us closer despite a team winning and on a larger scale the world would be impressed that we overcame bitter hostility to create an excellent example of harmony and love in the true Islamic and Hindu fashion.
Lets enjoy, may the best team win, but lets not allow our character to become a cause of snide comments by other nations, instead after the game, lets hold hands and really honestly stand together in unity.
if I was the captain and Pakistan won, I would invite the Indian captain to come and hold the cup with one hand on one side, and our hand on the other.
This would send a positive message to the LET’s and Shiv Sainaks of the world, that we dont want to create a world of hate for our future generations.
Awesome reply.. Hats off …
I guess people should realize that People ruled us by diviiding us .. th epoliticians still rule us using the same tactics? I guess we r very grown up and civilised people …
Hats off NAdeem for your answer!!!
Pakistan will have an upper hand going in this game as they are only beaten by newzealand which beat south africa which beat India. So there you have it!!!!
This game should decide the world champion. because unless it is england in the final for pakistan or srilanka v india we have already seen them play against each other. and know the results too.
HAHAHAHAHH….nice way to keep u8r hopes alive…but sorry to say that aint gonna happen…!!!lol
It’s a just a game! It’s been 20 years since I left India and settled in USA, but still my heart draws towards any cricket activity in the sub-continent, especially a cricket game between India and Pakistan. I still remember watching India touring Pakistan few years back, witnessed a lot of exciting things during this tour, Shewag got his 300, but the most memorable one was Inzzy’s great hospitality! When the Indian team was in Multan, Izzy presented gifts to all the Indian players, what a great cricketer! One of the greatest cricketers Pakistan has ever seen, a true gentleman! An occasion like this will be a launching pad between India and Pakistan friendship, instead of building hatred among us, it is time to wage a software war to eradicate poverty in both the nations, educate the mass and live in peace! In Michigan, I am surrounded by 2 Pakistani neighbors, we live as one family, I wish it was the same with India and Pakistan, we learn to coexist without this acrimony! One day, it’s my dream to visit Pakistan and retrace the history of India (oldest civilization on earth, the Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro).
Last, but not the least! The amazing food from this region, especially, eating at Lahore Tikka house in Toronto. So, why live with this animosity between us, it’s a just a game! End of the day, life goes on as normal! Good luck to both India and Pakistan, may the best team prevail!
Salaam/Namaste to Pakistanis. Definitely want India to win. But let us please not confuse a victory (whichever team wins) to some sense of superiority over the other in terms of religion or ideology or what not. Let us have a healthy rivalry and hope for a good game. Both our countries have made fools of each other for the last sixty years. Let us change our attitudes and make South Asia a prosperous region for our future generations. It is going to be nerve wracking watching this game. Cheers to India and Pakistan.
If pakistan win,,, the road goes to BoliWood and if not,,, LOliWood,,,,
Well I am Pakistani Pathan as well . I dont know what to do. I want pakistan to win because its my country, but on the other hand Indian players are so talented that it makes me sad now even thinking of them leaving the field without the cup.
I wish we could split it in a half.I respect Mr. Sachin (a legend) I love Yuvraj , and evey one the team.
Gosh what to do I love Shoib he is retiring I want him to have the cup too.
Guys can we cancell this event? if not can we split it? for sure not. So lets do one thing and simpl thing,,
no matter who wins,, consider it that the cup stays at home India or Pakistan . Its just like when the mother goes to live with the younger son or vice vers.
We need to have love and respect for eacghother. Hate is nothing but a self destruction of a nation.
At the end if any Bangladeshi brother is reading this ,, please accept my warm thanks for supporting pakistani team.
God bless both nation.
Dr Saheb .. Don’t loose heart just enjoy the match ..it is going to be terrafic …jisko jeetna hoga wo jeetega hee .. koi kuch bhee ker le ..
Hello my Pakistani friends. India vs Pakistan semifinal match in world cup WOW!!!!. I am true lover of cricket match. I will like to see a great match and want to see India win. Remember friends it is match not a war. On paper Indian batting line is very strong. Indian batsmen are good player of spin so Afridi will not be as lethal as he was in previous matches. From Indian point of view Umur Gul will be real threat. Pakistan has not tested against touch situations. Both Indian & Pakistan PMs may be supporting their team in VIP boxes. The team who has handle pressure well on that day will win the match. I am expecting Sachin’s 100 Centuries in International match
Guys…when pakistan plays india, it plays with a different mindset. So far in this cup, Pakistan has performed with great passion, exactly opposite to what everyone was thinking about them…so, my prediction, Pakistan will win for sure if they bat first…if they bowl first, it is going to be 50/50 chance for them…India has a great batting line up…match outcome would depend on how Sehwag and Tendulkar performs…from pakistan…opening spell from shoaib and gul wud play a huge role and then afridi and ajmal…Looking forward to this game. Pakistan Zindabad.
While fans will root fanatically for India or Pakistan, advertisers and organizers will laugh all the way to the bank… it is just a game, take it easy, relax, enjoy and have fun.. no need to lose your sleep over this.
Pakistani players will be so happy that they would reach their home in few hours time via the wagah border after they lose………..
we as hosts still would like them to have dinner at our place……
Jeetega toh India hi…………..
Love from India to all of you
Whenever a player hits a boundry, no matter which team, the response from the crowd will be awesome
It will be a match to remember
Good Luck Pakistan
Good Luck India
What better treat than to crush indians in their home turf?
bring back the prize, boys!
Pakistan Zindabad
As a Pakistani, I am rooting for Pakistan. The Pakistani team has simply “risen from the ashes”, they have come full circle when everyone had written them off, snubbed them and shrugged at them. A strong will to change their destiny is easily seen in the body language of our players………It’s time to show the world once again, that “when the going gets tough, the tough gets going” is not just a saying where Pakistan is concerned. Come on India let us see what you are about…. PHIR HO JAYE !!!
I think in the subcontinent we’ve not been able to isolate the professional from the emotional. This seems to be another occasion that we’re going by the latter than by the former–and that seems to be our common weakness. Add to it the political dimension at the highest official level possible. The purpose has to be to excel in the game of power and competition, and it is that which must be enjoyed. That needs enormous maturity.
First of all i am proud of our team that they played beyond our expectations and reached to semi’s in style. Therefore, whatever comes out of Wednesday , i am still happy for my team and will cheer for them as a fan. I hope the match live to its expectations as people all over the world want to see a contest between the teams.
On a side note, i know India is now favourite to win the world cup but like a true fan i will support my team. Best of luck for both teams.
At the end i just wana say to each and every fan , please support your teams in win/loss as like a true fan not by burning effigies
I prayed for India against Australia in the Quarter Final, to see the real excitement and passion of the masses across the subcontinent for a Pakistan-India Clash. It is really nerve breaking, but lets not forget, this is after only a cricket match- NOT A WAR. So lets Enjoy th game of Cricket.
Being a Pakistani though, my heart goes with the green shirts.
Both the teams r talented one for batting and the other for batting as well as bowling. NMow which ever
team can keep its nerves and score and take wickets shall win.
No predictions for either of the team as both r unpredicted ones and they can do anything at a given day. hk
Want Pakistan to win, but no worries if we don’t. Pakistan team have already exceeded our expectations and they have nothing to lose in this game – this could play right in the hands of Pakistan. If India win, I would wish them well for the finals, Tendulkar’s career deserve a world cup, just like Imran and Javed’s in 92.
It does not matter as to who wins, but it matter how the game is played with the objective of betterment
of all.
I hope that the Pakistani Presidend and that Mr. Gillani will attend the games as well.
This may poen many doors that have been closed by the political parties in both the countries.
The most amazing, interesting and nail biting clash is ON…. two superb teams showing their expertise… India has strength in batting but lacks bowling skills while Pakistan is skilled in bowling and batting is inconistent. I do not understand what inspires both teams as its very hard these day to understand and pinpoint that…. but I can guarantee remarkable fight between both opponents. As I live in US, I am going to get up at mid-night to watch the match risking my career…
I wish-n-pray success for Pakistan as my heart goes out for them although I do understand that its just a match and one has t win and the other has to lose, so then why not let the winner be Pakistan.
Everyone is this match has to perform to the fullest potentail. Only optimal performance in this match can lead to success…. Waiting for an exciting clash of the greatest teams !!
I dont know how Pakistan cricket team will handle the match, psychologically, but I think it is equally important as performance is important. In 1996 quarter-final, Pak lost the game not only b/c of performance but also psychologically. Its gonna be a tough mental game. Wishing all the best for Pakistan Cricket Team. Go Pakistan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think a victory by India will define the global greatness of India in the true sense.
We will be the real super power ..thanks to this victory .
Jai ho bharat ki .
All that needs to happen is for Indian players to take every moment seriously and thoughtfully.
Indian players make us proud and win it for us…!!!