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.”
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Good to see friendly banter where fans of both are happy to support thier team without denigrating the the other. Compare this with vile hate filled posts by Indians on the Times of India site just because some Pakistani has commented on there. I hope no Pakistani’s travel to India for this match, best to watch from your living rooms, for your own safety.
As for the match, Pakistan along with the Lankans have the best bowling line up but the Indians clearly have the better batting set up. However, both have proved, besides the odd match, that they struggle with the run chase when the pressure is on but the Indians have the massive bonus of home advantage.
Our Cricket God ” Master Blaster Tendulkar ” has reserved his 100th ton to be scored against Pakistan. Wait & see what Indian Batsmen can do to Pak bowling. Get ready with whatever bowling you can to stop our batting lineup. India has already booked ” World Cup 2011″ Pakis can try for 2015.
This will be really exciting event for me as for the first time I’ll be watching this Pakistan vs india with my indian colleagues and I hope we all enjoy the game rather than taking it an issue of prestige. Lets cross our fingures for Pakistan. May Allah bring the glory of cricket and sports back to Pakistan, Ameen sum Ameen.
Both the teams have their strengths. As a Pakistani, I of course will be elated if Pkaistan win. However, one of the team has to lose. I will hope that it is a fitting contest, played in the true sirit of sports and in the true spirit of the lovely game of cricket. I will encourage and request the fans from both the countries to enjoy the game with respect for opponents and prove to the world that the people of this sub-continent are mature enough to handle defeat and victory with courage and sportsman spirirt. It is also a tough test for the Indian and especially Punjabi hospitality. Will be interesting to see how is Pakistani team treated by the Indian crowds.
Wishing for a terrific contest and may teh best team win.
I still dont understand the mentality of both Indian and Pakstiani fanatic cricket fans who want to celebrate if one loses. Thats disgusting. We are neighbors and we got divided in 1947. If that division did not occur we would have been one strong team. True Sportsmanship is if one country loses you offer your solidarity to them so that they can overcome their loss and move on. Not making fun of them, jeer at them. One poster here said he wanted to see the faces of Indian fans if Indians lose. Such kind of attitude is very demeaning attitude.
In reality both Indian and Pakistani Cricketers are very close in the dressing rooms. Do you guys even know that Tendulkar used to go to Abdul Qadir for advice in his early career. one Pakistani cricketer (forget his name) brought food for the entire Indian cricket team. The sense that prevails in their minds does not exist in the people of both the countries. No wonder Australia took the world cup three times.
Change your thinking. Think and wish well of others and not their doom. I believe this is what both BhagvadGita and Quran also say although I dont read any of them.
My gosh…!!! Its three days to go for the match…and i am having GOOSEBUMPS…i dnt think i’ll be able to sleep on 29th night…as far as match is concerned…watever anyone say abt the Pakistani bowling…its the Indian’s who made dem make a sorry figure in all world cup matches…my dear Pakistani friends this year wont bring any surprises for you…and if they do win, den i wud support dem for finals…but i know dat situation wont come…hehehhehehe…
Guys keep ur tissue papers wid u…u’ll need dem to wipe tears…!!!
SAARE JAHAN SE ACCHA HINDUSTAN HAMARA…!!!
MOHALI WILL BLEEED “BLUE” ON 30TH…!!!
Did i hear “ameeeeeeeeeen”…???
Should be an absorbing game of cricket. If Pakistan bowl first they MUST restrict India under 280. If Indians make a good score they will run away with the game as the strength of Pakistan is in its bowling.
If pakistan bat first and score less then 250 it will put too much pressure on their bowlers they wud have to gamble on a dream spell from Gul. I do not expect Afridi to be a huge factor with the bowl …….
My money wud be on India but then this is cricket anything is possible !!! Let the fun begin …… and oh BTW it is a SPORT …..
Indians and Pakistanis enjoy, dance, and celebrate. You both deserve something to cheer about. And those Pakistani fans who are lucky enough to watch the match in Chandigarh, relish the hospitality of this fun city! Just do one thing, for a change do not fight.
I just hope no Pakistani commits suicide in case Pakistan loses, unlike last time.
Yes, you are damn right !!! same in India ..
What a great moment to showcase our love for game. Stow away all differences and let the sub-continent shine.
India has great batting line while Pakistan has an edge in bowling.
For Pakistan:
Younus Khan, Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq (all three) must score well, specially Mr. Boom Boom.
Runs will come if Afridi stays long enough on the wicket.
Best of luck to both teams. Love to see a nail biting/nerve wecking game.
gosh, its just a game!!
Best wishes to both the teams…………I’m supporting India for sure………..however tht is goin to be a great match………….
Pakistan will make history by defeating India on their home ground for the first time in World Cup. Toss is very important, whoever bat first can put pressure on other side by their bowling and Pakistan is a better bowling side.
I believe India has an edge over Pakistan in the upcoming match. India’s batting line up is indeed formidable just like what PAkistan used to have as battery of bowlers in the 90s, which included Imran Khan, Waseem Akram, Waqar Younis, Aqib Javed, Squlain , Mushraq, Abdul Qadeer. Pakistan’s batting in WC had been too fragile, fielding worse than India adn keeping even worst. Bowling looks good though but the leading wicket taker had been Shahid Afridi and I never saw slow bowlers troubling Indian batsmen.If India can deny success to Umar Gul they will succeed. But Newzealand’s stunning victory over mighty SA should be a warning sign for India. Complacency and pressure can be fatal.
@ Faraz.. IF India wins I will just celebrate I would be least intrested to have a look at Pakistani fans faces.
Regardless of who wins, both India and Pakistan can take comfort that
they beat Australia.
Great point!!!
Indo-Pak is not about cricket. It’s about pure emotions, nationalism, sibling rivalry and also a healthy dose of hatred
I look forward to this being an outstanding game of cricket. In my personal opinion, the Pakistan team is not today what it was in the 90s or even early 2000s (Anwar + Aamir + Ijaz + Inzamam / Wasim + Waqar) – not even by a long shot.
India on the other hand today looks to be a stronger team than it has ever been in the past (except maybe Ganguly’s team in 2003).
On paper, however, I think this means that they are equally matched. I really want India to win, but either way it should be a great game. Good luck to both teams, and my love and regards to the people of Pakistan.
A big hello to all my Pakistani bothers & sisters..it will be a rocker of a match and let the best team win…in reply to Faraz Bhai i remember the commonwealth games in india when the pakistani team walked out in the opening ceremony the crowd in Delhi gave an ovation that was second to the host country..its not about who wins or looses but a game of cricket of this magnitude is something as cricket lovers we all cherish….i personally want to see shohaib vs sachin one last time in Mohali ….true we have the batting ace but pakistan has the pace in their bowling ..overall a wonderful combination from both teams…just got to know 5000 visa’s issued by the indian government…lets all cheer together and support our teams….:) Cheers to a wonderful game of cricket that will be remembered like evey other world cup match we have had which will be remembered for years to come..:)
There is nothing like a Indo-Pak cricket match. But being the semifinal of WC2011, this is huge. It will be too early for me in Atlanta but will try to watch the game quietly without waking up the wife and kids. Of course I will be skipping work as well.
On who is going to win, being an Indian my heart says India but I think it is 60:40 India’s chance. We have a great batting line up and the bowling is slowly getting better. With that said Pakistan is a great fighting side and if Afridi shows up with leading from the front like he has been doing, and the rest chipping in, Pakistan is almost unbeatable.
Politics aside Pakistani cricketers are hugely popular in India, especially Imran and Wasim Akram. Pakistan produces great talent. It is the lack of management and leadership that is making a mess of cricket in Pakistan. IF they win the semi final, I will be cheering for them to win the championship as they have the talents and they need it to bring the game back to the country.
Anyway looking forward to a great game. All the best for the Men in Blues……….
I live in Canada. we have many indian close friends who are suggesting we all watch the match together. I am voting against the idea. I told them none of us will be able to enjoy the match without the loud cursings, screaming and emotional outbursts against our lovely opponents at that point in time. I think we would be better off as friends as long as we do not witness our agressions against each other during a pak-india game. Being a pakistani, my heart offcourse wants to see pakistan’s victory. However, I love my indian friends and I believe who ever PLAYS BETTER that day…will WIN.
A suggestion to Afridi and his men: BE HUMBLE, SHOW SPIRIT OF AGRESSION BUT NO DISPLAY OF ANY NEGATIVE ACTS AGAINST YOUR OPPONENTS, PLAY MATURE CRICKET AND BE HUNGRY AS IF THIS IS YOUR LAST GAME OF CRICKET.
It is INDIA unless Indians do something fundamentally wrong which they do every now and then!!
1000000% India will win inshah allahhhhhhhh
Guys,
Whoever wins, please remember it is a game and let us just sit back and enjoy. You guys in India and Pakistan do not possibly know what sort of comraderie and warm feelings for each other prevail between Indians and Pakistanis living outside their respective countries. Remember, we share the same language and culture and the divide between us is merely physical and political.
So let us not exchange abusives and harsh words in these columns.
Let us all enjoy this great game of cricket played by the finest teams to come out of countries in the recent past.
Regards
Badri
Pakistanis: Be Afridi. Be very Afrideeee….. Think Green, wear Green and love Greennnnnnn :)))))))
Indians: We need this cup wayyyyyy more than u guys….. Please pray for us :)))))))))))))
Hey Salman,
India needs WC more than u. We need it not for India but for Tendulkar the living legend who has not won a world cup so far. We will wish u good luck for 2015. Jai Hind!!!
To All pakistani… Wish u luck for Next WC but for this time We have to Win it..”Bleed Blue..”
Most Pakistanis simply do not know how to loose or win. Both should be done in sportsman like and magnamious style.