
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
Pakistan will repeat what they did to India in Mohali 4 years ago in 2007 scoring the winning run in last over second last ball.
Pakistan will beat India in a close game this year’s semi final in Mohali next week.
good luck everyone, nice to see south asians dominating..and the famous aussie pride crumbling..poor south african chokers again…but please lets hope the match will be fought in the spirit of game..no ugly scenes..
anyway good luck pakistan… you badly need some good news more than the indians.. cheers
(an indian)
I will be flying the Indian flag high and will gurudrara when India win
chak de India.
Why can’t we (Pakistan and India) live peacefully and without hatred? We were once a part of India and now we abuse India? I’m a Sindhi, if Sindhudesh was formed, would it be right for me to abuse Pakikstan? If we can put our differences aside, our governments wouldn’t have to put aside so much money into defense and rather focus on building our infrastructure, provide better schools and hospitials to our community, just a thought!
It is not just a game of cricket as everyone is suggesting here. Be honest it is just more than a cricket match. Pakistani players have been deprived of cricket mostly by Indian cricket lobby opposition. They will not allow Pakistani players to take part in IPL alone. I do not care who wins I just want a good contest. Arrogance of Indians tells me we should win but then Pakistani humbleness tells me inshAllah we have a good chance to show world you can deprive us of cricket but you cannot take away our talent. Pakistani team needs to remember their wounds and play like champions who would have thought Pakistan can make into the semis in India.
We cannot host world cup but we inshAllah will lift the trophy. My prayers and whole Pakistan prayers are with you Afridi boys. You have already made us proud just little more effort and you can deliver a gift to Pakistan that no one in their wild dreams can imagine. Just be positive.
EMOTIONAL NERVE-RACKING would be modest vocabulary to define this encounter. Even though I claim to be level headed still this prospect is making me nervous. I really feel sympathy for both teams the stress level will be unparallel. Dhoni’s words were the true and honest picture to what we are about to witness. I am Pakistani and surely want Pakistan to win, but I do have soft corner for my neighbors.
Very interesting comment about “faint hearted” made by Imran Aziz, it made be laugh as well as concerned. I myself is 43 years old and live in US. I was telling my wife that I do not recall watching a match with bigger consequences even though I am in love with cricket since I remember. I wife sure did not liked the love part. It would be wonderful opportunity to get our kids involved and witness the excitement of this wonderful game cricket.
My biggest concern is Pakistani player safety that has to be paramount. It is only a game in the grand scheme of things, but if for one minute there is a risk to Pakistan player safety we should pull out.
Rab Amighty grant Pakistan success in all its endeavours.
Khuda Hafiz
Well done Dawn for providing an opportunity for Indo-Pak fans to express themselves in a decent and level headed manner. A far cry from the obscenities on display on other websites. I hope Times of India learn a thing or two from here.
As my name tell I am an Indian and a proud one at that .. I would always support India winning the world cup.. In the earlier matches when Pakistan won against India or when they won the world cup .. they were a truly good side lead by a fantastic captain.. if they win this time .. it will be a matter of fluke .. but what a fluke it will be.. and I sincerly hope Pakistan win.. Without sounding condescending I fee the country needs the win more than India needs it.. There is lots of ill news and news due to the wrong reasons.. Atleast they will have someting to really celebrate about.. and who knows it may start a revolution in that country against all wrong factors and they may see good days ahead.. A strong and stable pakistan is always good for India.. The country or state doesn’t behove of anybody let alone its neighbours. My prayers are with Pakistan
logically speaking, pakistan batting is their big worry. The indian batting has been consistent since the first match. Event in the match that lost to south africa they had scored 296 runs which is a huge total. Rest all games india has won or tied. I am fully confident that pakistan batting with afridi in bad form will not be able to score more than 250 runs which will be peanuts for indian batting line up with sehwag and tendulkar to open in indian conditions. Also mohali is yuvi’s home ground. It only to see now by how many runs or wickets the men in blue wins. I feel bad for pakistan. Its their bad luck that they have to face the stongest team in the cricket world for a semi final.
Although it’s been history that people throughout world would love to see the match between India and Pakistan as it creates more crunch and twist amongst the audience. It may be rightly said, instead of playing they rather do war which boost the audience’s intrest supporting their respective team.
According to me, they should treat the “match” as a “match” and co-operation from indian crowd is mandatory to foster the players during game.
No doubt semi-final is a bigger match for both indian and pakistan but “wining and losing” is part and parcel of every game. Being Pakistani my wishes for green shirts and also want them to thrash india this time because india had already beaten pakistan in various matches of older world cups. Wish you best of luck pakis and really anxiously waiting for the 30th day of this month!
Let the best team win.
I am routing for Pakistan. They have worked with a lot luck behind them.
But……India has better arsenal. Pakistan will have to score over 500!
Guys, take it easy and take a chill pill! All this jingoistic nationalism is the reason that both the countries are still third world infested with multitude of problems. It is just a game that one team will win and go to the finals and the other will go/stay home. In the end, it will not better any one of your lives, be India wins or Pakistan wins. The only good thing so far has come out is the diplomacy initiated by the Indian PM, hopefully Pakistani government will accept it and not allow the male chauvinistic ego to come in between. All is Pathans, Punjabi this and that talk is so immature and really reflects the low IQ of the nations. Eventually, unless it benefits the people it is just a freaking game.
That was really the comment of the day, Imran!!
You have already won the Man of the Match award
Now I don’t care as who wins. Mr Singh (PM of India) has invited Mr. Zardari and Mr. Gilani to watch the game. This is bigger than cricket, the ties between two countries is bigger than anything. Resumption of talks between Pakistan and India, I am loosing my sleep tonight. Cricket is just a game (watch, enjoy and forget).
to all,THE MOTHER OF ALL GAMES is on 30th.and i still remember the tension and excietment of that 2004 match.As an indian,i want INDIA to win,but i am scared PAK is unpredictable.I want india to win this match and final for the GREAT cricketer Tendulkar,as the Pak done for IMRAN in 92…
Watching India and Pakistan playing against each other always requires nerves of steel. I do hope and pray that Pakistan will win, but what I want more than anything is a good game of cricket.
There should be no talk of it being a pseudo war, or the semi-final being more important than the final. The goal is to get to Mumbai for the final — beating India in the semi is just the means.
“Watching India and Pakistan playing against each other always requires nerves of steel.”
If just watching needs nerves of steel, how about playing (needs cryptonite?)? I think you are exaggerating things a little more than the usual.
Bowling wise Pakistan is no better than Australia. Batting wise they are no match of India. It does’nt need to be a rocket scientist to figure out the result. I am gonna keep lots of Dum Biriyani ready to serve my Pakistani freinds after the match. We are going to make sure that all Pakistani visitors to Mohali go back with a heavy stomach, not only a heavy heart.
Well Said Altafbhai. I love Indian Muslims who are as patriotic as any hindu.
Hey guys, An Afghan Jumping in here!!
Being an Afghan and having spent all my life in Pakistan, my heart goes with Pakistan as a supporter. But regardless of who wins and who doesn’t, this is more than a cricket match and will (hopefully) have a positive impact on politics and relationships of the two countries. For god, sake, the world is uniting, and you too are still in your dreams of 1940’s.. Look at Pakistanis and Indians here in the U.S and elsewhere, the world is truly benefiting from their talent,,, they can make a great world for themselves and the neighbors.. Act like leaders of the region don’t keep fighting with each other over a piece of land, or frozen glaciers… All the best Pakistan, good wishes with India!
P.s: Love Dawn for its liberalism, openness and true Journalism!
Umer
The game between India and Pakistan, shouldn’t be taken as a war. I am a Pakistani living in USA and have lot of Indian friends here. We (Pakis & Indians) live together in foreign countries and support each other. When it comes to the game of Cricket, it brings out patriotism. However, it doesn’t matter if one loses or wins, both teams have done well to reach semi-finals. In the end I wish to see a great game and spirit of Cricket. Good luck to both the teams.
Both the teams are optimal at the momement. However, which team would win, I do not know, but let us alll of us enjoy the game and do our best to bring both the countries and their people close to each other for a bright sporting future.
A kargil of nerves…. a saga of charged emotions….a battle of slogans…..every ball will be a BP raising phenomenon…..millions and millions of hearts will beat ceaselessly till the end of the battle
Pakistan bowling vs Indian bating.
Let the best team win but at the end being Pakistani I loved to see Pakistan win.
It really does not not matter whether India wins or Pakistan. Windows of the houses of few players will definitely be broken on the night of March 30 – the result of the game will decide the side of the border.
I just wish it to be a fierce game, battle of nerves like Pak vs SL or IND vs AUS – the result is insignificant as long as players stay calm and cool amidst the fierce battle. I also hope that Indian audience and spectators behave in a dignified way to Pakistani players and guests.
May the best win!