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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On paper, both sides are evenly matched…because India have a very strong batting line up and Pakistan have a very strong bowling line up…I think it will really just come down to whoever handles the pressure well! my pick – my dearly beloved Pakistan!
The match of the World Cup 2011; shame its only a semi final. Let the best team win (by which I mean of course, Pakistan );-)
This semi final is not about winning a match but an emotional roller coaster ride on both sides of the border. Whoever wins, the party wont stop there, the finalist will win the world cup.
All i pray is Pakistan to win the worldcup. I want to see the BOOM BOOM 11 to show unity, faith and decipline. I fear grandiosity, 3 captains playing in this team and i fear me my and I attitude.
What we as Pakistanis want is a fight , a true fight what ever the result is.
In the end my advice to our team is have faith in Allah,have faith in yourself, hardwork will pave the path to victory,Inshallah.
TO GET SOMETHING ,YOU REALLY REALLY HAVE TO HAVE THE PASSION TO WANT IT……
this good one, first fith with allah have faith in yourself than play, insha allah , allah will make good result
I wish good luck for both Pakistani and Indian teams. Pakistan is not easy to beat as theirs is one of the best bowling teams, so is India as it has the strong in its batting lineup. It’s a battle between 2 equals and we should support our team like we do when we play with any other team. Cricket a game for many of us in subcontinent love to play and watch dearly and close to our hearts. Enjoy coming game as such support respective teams but as a game not as a War between 2 independent nations.
As a Indian I always support India, but if India is not playing then i always support Pakistan. If India win (god pleeeease make it so) then the party is on. If they lose, i hope Pakistan win the world cup as no other country has the same passion and pride as Ind & Pak.
I laughed when I read your “god pleeeease make it so”, as that is exactly what I have been saying over and over myself, excpet my plea is for Pakistan! I know how you feel.
Well it is really nice to see the healthy conversation in a Pakistani paper. I am impressed…as folks already mentioned it’s just a game so take it like a game and show a true sportsman spirit. However, I was shocked when I saw behavior of a few television hosts in paki television…they were awful…they were talking like a road side cheap person speaks on a “Tea Stall”…anyways good luck to both teams…may the better team win
Ajit
India is going to win this hight pressure and high tension game due to highly explosive batting tyrrant and they can explode any kind of pakistan attack as this indian batting mastero has flood run against England,south africa and Australia……….i think pakistan knows how powerfull batting muscle india has.
It will be good to see india reaches final and win the world cup in mumbai after 28years………….
India or Pakistan whoever wins the match it will be the match to be looked forward to. Without any doubt the match should restart more friendly ties between 2 wonderful countries. People of both the countries are friendly, talented and war / hatred should be removed. I have so many Pakistani friends who are living in multiple countries and its really bad to see that Indian and Pakistani politicians create such a bad atmosphere…. Let the match end in tie and nobody wins….
Stop blaming politicians for the divide. Its the personal & Religious prejudice of the common man. Call Spade a spade.
hahhahahaha…batting muscle?..look, Tendulkar is great man and batsman!…however, they tied england, barely got past windies & ireland and lost of SA….all those teams have 1/2 the bowling muscle as compared to Pakistan. Australia was wrapped up by Pakistan the other day, however, India barely got past the Aussies largely due to the horrible bowling by Tait.
Pakistan will win, largely due to the fact that they have a really good attack, moreover, the bookie odds are that India will win, so, one has to say that if some are sold within the team, they’ll probably have been told (by the gambling mafia) that they must win…thus you will not see Kamran Akmal and others throw away the match….
my dear friend…attack of 1992 wc to 2003 wc was far better then current pakistani attack…if wasim.waqar and shoaib akhtar cant stop indian batting muscle in 2003 then how just umar gul alone will do…..sehwag is going to blast in initial 5 overs and if rose taylor can blast then u can think upon wht will be the situation of pakistani bowler on 30th………………
You might have to read history….and all ur spin including afridi will be hammered by indian rockstar batting…
If both teams play at par then India would be able to topple Pakistan. On comparison, India is a much more settled and solid side than Pakistan. However, Pakistan has been performing above and beyond everyone’s expectations thus far and could triumph over India as well.
I think its time for Afridi or Razzaq to deliver one of their other wordly performances now. Since they do it twice in ten games I believe their time is due and if they click, Pakistan will win. If they don’t, India will still have its unbeaten record in World Cups against Pakistan!
Go team Green!
I am a very faint hearted person. I lost a friend during the 1997 World cup during the Pakistan India match. He was a 39 years old, 6 ft 4 in super fit squash playing cardioligist. He died in the living room of his house in front of his three children and his wife when he suffered a heart attack while watching the India Pakistan match on the television. Surely he was also a faint hearted person and could not handle the tension.
I am a type B sort of a person and very emotionally charged too. I would like to live for my family a little longer, I am 50 years old now. Therefore, I will not be watching this match. I will try not to sleep the night before th match so I am sleepy the day of teh macth. Then I will take a few sleeping pills and sleep during the match, as I am sure it will be extremely difficult to go to sleep without them.
I know I am weak person but just the idea of Pakistan losing from India is too much to digest and my heart starts missing beats. I keep on telling myself that it is just a game but my mind and soul do not accept this argument. My close friends from Bombay, Pune, Delhi, Chinnai, Kerala, Visakapatnam, Mangalore, Bangalore are 100% sure that India will win.
That makes me so nervous….. as I am a Pakistani and cannot imagine their wishes come true………… Good luck Pakistan ….. Only Pakistani victory can uplift the spirit of cricket, without a Pakistani victory there is no spirit left in Cricket ……………….. This is not about war , this not about religion, this is about being a Pakistani…………. or dying for the country by just watching a match against India……….. This is for the love and the game of Cricket………..
Mr. Imran, relax … i know pak vs ind match is always intense and full of nurvy moments but than its only cricket, i wanted to break my TV when pak lost to india but than i didn’t cause thats not right… I am from Pakistan and yet my fav batsmans are sehwag and tendulkar, gambhir because they are delight to watch….. just because i am cheering for pakistan dosen’t mean i hate indians……. and beleive many indians cheer for india not because they hate pakistan…. i understand that at the age of 50 your heart is not as strong as 20 years old so the best thing is you watch the match one day after on youtube.
Mr Imran. Stop acting like you’re a pakistani.
Man you scaring me. I would suggest you to get reservation in the ER and let the nurse stand by you and watch the game or have someone in the family get trained for resuscitation.
WIsh you good health.
Forget everything and watch the game to enjoy yourself with family or friends, cheer up the best Player not as a
Pakistani or Indian. You got to remember both are part of Indian subcontinent. Change your mindset to enjoy in
either case.
Take an aspirin and you wont have a heart attack. Also, get used to losing. Its life.
Imran
Rleax…enjoy with your family and friends as I paln to do. Dont get too emotional. Whoever wins, ultimately its you and your family who will Triumph! All the best and let me know after the match.
Ihave lots of paki frnds and never have we ever argued or got into a -ve temeprment.Its fun time.
srkg2011@gmail.com.
Don’t worry brother, Pakistan will will Insha’Allah! when you wake up you will hear the Good News. I just want Pakistan to try their best, do their due diligent and leave it at that. Win or loose, doesn’t matter to me, JUST FIGHT UNTIL THE END!!!!
Take it easy my friend. You are not the only one, infact, there are millions on both sides who would fit into that category. You are just being honest. It is not good that the things which are meant to entertain us have become a source of unbearable stress. All the joys or grief will disappear withing weeks. Life goes on. Take care.
Butt Sahib, I like your honesty and its kinda really funny reading your comment. I admire your patriotic spirit but its just a game and like how I will support India but would be happy to for you if Pakistan wins.
Its just fun , we take it a prestige issue no one dies in Australia if they loose to england. So take it easy boss.
Take it easy my friend. We somehow absorb so much bad news and ugliness of this world. This is just a game meant to develop and promote heatly society and relationships. You will be fine InshahAllah.
Imran bhai, enjoy & celebrate the game. Because jo dara woh ….And darna mana hai.
I think you will be shoked after India hammers pakistan to a loss and out of the world cup in WC semis 2011. Prepare yourself mentally for that loss ..pakistan
Sir, this is not a very healthy attitude. You do need to remember that it is just a game, after all. Both teams have a 50-50 chance & luck is also a big factor in deciding who wins on that day. The reason why you can’t see Pakistan losing to India, is probably because you have negative feelings towards India. If you remove/reduce that negativity from your mind, you won’t feel that bad after a loss to India (if that happens). I hope you stay safe & healthy for your family. They are more important than a cricket match.
I am so sorry to know about the unfortunate fate of your friend.
Being the only winnable competitive sport in both countries it is no surprise that citizen take cricket contest to their heart.
However we should be mentally strong not to become a victim of an emotionally surcharged match.
Look at the case of Chetan Sharma who bowled the last ball to Miandad and was hit for a six.
He did not take it to his heart. fans also should be like that.
The outcome of the match depends on several factors given that both team has equal share of merits and demerits. Let us not forget the fact that today’s winner is tomorrow’s loser. So let us preapre mentally to accept the outcome as it comes naturally.
My brother, take a deep breath and try to take it easy! Try and refocus, and remind yourself that after all is said and done, this is really “just a game”, not life and death or war. Having said that, let me also tell you that I am trying to follow my own good advice as well….and having trouble…have had a migraine since yesterday just thinking about this macth, and seem to be getting another one today, not to mention I really beleive my blood pressure is also out of whack! We from Pakistan (and from India as well I’m sure) in the USA are going just as nuts about this match as those sitting in India or Pakistan.
My suggestion to you. Pray that India should win the match. Support India. In that case, you will be hapy if who ever wins.
India -Pakistan match is eagerly awaited dream match in World Cup Semi final. Not only have the cricket crazy people of both the country preyed for the game but it s the desire of all cricketing Nations. It is testimony of resurgent Pakistan, that they have left there past and have advanced up to the semi finals. Let the game be now played in the best cricketing competitive sprit without any WAR cry. Both teams have there strength and weakness. The team which can handle the pressure will win.
I would support for India for victory as a tribute to Sachin
I am a Pakistani but I have to admit that the world has produced very few batsmen like Sachin.
Dude! i am Pakistani too, but I want to say politely to you that I disagree. This world has only produced one Sachin. His greatness is unmatchable and irreplaceable. Only time will tell, but at least I dont expect to see another Sachin in my life time.
I hope the competion is taken in competitive spirit for growth and development of sports culture than regional, religious and other modes of narrow mindedness.
Hope this gives the way to think more broadly to imagine and emulate the genius of this game and encourage the people to think beyond the narrow thinking.
you are exactly right
Regardless who wins it,I wish the world cup remains in Asian sub-continent.All good wishes for the semi and finalist.
M.Hamid Abbasi
My word! this is the spirit.
Frankly it doesn’t matter, even if it goes to NZ. NZ is a fine country as well. Probably cleaner and more cultured than either India or Pakistan. SAY NO TO NATIONALISM.
Pakistan in Mumbai, that is all I see! Should It be war or not doesn’t matter. Victory must be ours!
AR saab…whatever you say…India is going to be the winner…if they loose, I will send you a gift at ur address.
I think this time the so called ‘war’ factor will take backstage in this world cup clash between Indo-Pak. Surely, there is an excitement for the match but the old rivalry is missing. Over the years people of both the countries have developed a ‘friendly’ approach to each other.
Looking at the teams, Pakistan has definately an edge over India as far as bowling is concerned. Said so, Indian batting order is strong and if Indian batsmen played to their potential-it is going to be stiff for Pakistan. An electrifying counter is in the store.
My predications whoever wins, this time England is going to be the world champions. They are the dark horses in the contest.
For your info Rohit, England is out, and very badly too.
Completely stupid analysis.
Point 1: It is India having an edge – read any newspaper. Wake up, have some coffe dude.
Point 2: England: Well, you won’t be writing stupid comments like this after tomorrow.
India – clear favorites, and winners of SL-IND final.
i got a very nice answer from an Indian friend when i asked him who will you support India or Pakistan? and he said ‘ duno he apnay hain, its a win-win situation! I hope we all can be Big enough to say that!
I worked in Midle-east, (Kuwait & Saudi) for few years…
There, i met Pakistanis first time in my life….
After talking to them and finally come to know that Indians have misunderstood about Pakis..
The shop owners, the Taxi drivers all were just very friendly and helpful.
So.let’s forget about rivalries…religion,tensions and all those stupid things and E’joy the GAME!!…
what a nice answer,,,i was lookin for something like that to comfort my spirit.
Thanks
let’s teach our politicians n terrorists to think n follow the same..all 4 a win-win situation to continue 4 ever
very well said maam
Iam in australia and worked many years in Middleeast,met many Indians and most are life long friends,good part is when you are in some Gora Babu meeting,than Indian look for Pakistani and Pakistani look for Indian to have company,after all we are neibhours and same Zaban….Religion dosent come between friends….
Zeresh,
I couldn’t agree more. I wish we could take it as a cricket match and enjoy it. That should be it.
I am sure our team (Pakistan) will give it everything, if they do then may the best team win.
For someone that migrated Pakistan nearly a decade ago, being out of the country meant cricket viewing was limited. And slowly but surely, even in my ‘desi’ dominated neighborhood football took center stage and cricket withered from our lives, but not our minds.
At 25 now…I must say. Oh! WOW! Pakistan vs India…in the 50 over semis? I mean when it was 1999 and Wasim’s boys made the Finals, I remember the school boys sitting there before the tourney with the schedules and seeing if India and Pakistan may perhaps clash in the finals. Of course that was always too much to ask.
Now a decade later, a decade where Australia dominated the Sub Continent teams in the WC finals…we stand at the brink of seeing possibly three Sub Continent teams make the WC semis.
I know cricket is a way of life back home in Pakistan, and when the Cricket WC comes around…sometimes it takes a back seat to nothing but religion.
But for us that are miles away…Cricket is officially back. Here I am sitting with my friends talking about the semi’s in the middle of New York. Never thought it would happen…but for once its nice to see our boys performing.
Cricket’s certainly buzzing out here. And the similarities between Afridi’s troops and Imran’s are starting to look very familiar.
Win one for us boys! You have already brought cricket back to the minds of Pakistani’s miles away. Now show ICC what kind of talent Pakistan is. Bring cricket back HOME!!!
same is our feeling back in Australia,all day today at my job,being in customer services,i was wishing all Indians best luck and they wish me back:)
This is it…This is biggest match of the world cup ever.. India v/s pakistan in world cup semifinal…wow…ICC , BCCI, PCB , Broadcasters, Sponsers wont have asked for more…It is the match two nations would have waited for…I am too eager and looking forward to this…Being India obviously I want India to win and understand every pakistani would want pakistan to win but let best men win …It is going to be great match…
This is How India will be Cricket World Champion 2011
There is a trend on the QF matches between the teams — Let us see how it goes 1st Quarter-Final – Pakistan v West Indies — Winner Pakistan 2nd Quarter-Final – India v Australia — Winner India 3rd Quarter-Final – New Zealand v South Africa — Winner New Zealand As per above three the last QF will be won by SriLanka 4th Quarter-Final – Sri Lanka v England — Winner Sri Lanka 1st SF New Zealand v Sri Lanka — Winner New Zealand 2nd Semi-Final – India v Pakistan — Winner India FINAL WILL BE between INDIA V New Zealand and WInner is INDIA (as simple as that)
Its good to see your spirit and confidence.. but let the best performing team to win..! best of luck to PAKISTAN And INDIA Both..! We just want a exciting match that spread peace and harmony between these two neighbours.
DILL DA MAAMLA HAI
well to say the least, its very seldom that u see pakistan with such a killer touch! goes without sayin hencen this WC belongs to greens !
Yeah mate grass is greener on the other side and thats what u gonna get! BTW mohali is a right location , after the match u guys can take your “Green” team right from the stadium to your homes…guess they wont be needed in mumbai.
Come on AJ, you should not be among few who bring hatered for one another,its time to unite:) its not you also i ask my Paksitanis too that not to talk bad abt Indians or any one,just talk abt cricket…
It’s going to be a great game. However I am sure many of us are better off not watching it – the stress will probably be too much. I hope we can at least keep religion out of the game if not nationalism. I am very impressed by the Pakistani teams (past & present), let the best team win!
My excitement for the upcoming India-Pakistan semi final waned ever so slightly as I logged onto Facebook this morning. I was severely disappointed to read the frequent references to the word ‘war’ in almost every cricket-related status.
It seems the entire nation is being dragged 64 years back, one status at a time. This blinding aggression has blurred the not-so-fine line between patriotism and uncouthness. For a country plagued by terror attacks on a daily basis, it’s appalling to realize that our definition of war has so callously been generalised.
I’m rooting for the Pakistani Cricket team to win a game. Just that.
I am 1005 in agreement with you. Let the players, play the game, and we should enjoy their efforts.
Even if we had 1% of people in Pakistan like you, this world would be lot more peaceful place to live in. It is not just the thinking, it is also to have the courage to express it, and express it with the grace you have done it.
My personal heartfelt gratitude and prayers for you.
THIS SHOULD BE FUN AND EXCITING AND NERVE RECKONING! GO CRICKET!
BEST OF CRICKET IS ON WEDNESDAY THE 30TH.