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
Best of luck to both teams..
I do not find it necessary to bring in religion in cricket. India has the best bowler after Kapil dev and his name is Zaheer Khan and he is a proud Indian..so let us stop all this talk about religion.
I think both teams have something to prove and it is best for cricket if this is another cricket game between two top teams.
Both teams are loaded with talent. may the best win…i am not like other Indians or pakistani fans here who bash each other and have no respect for the game.
India will clearly win this game. Consider these facts which substantiate my prediction:
1. India has always defeated Pakistan in every world cup match, even when Pakistan were in form to win the world cup.
2. India’s chances draw from good batting line up and average bowling. Pakistan’s chances draw from good bowling and high emotion surcharge. Since the match is being played in Indian soil, Pakistan is unlikely to maintain the emotion surcharge that it depends upon to win.
3. Mohali in North India is home to Yuvaraj and Harbajan Singh, two key match winners for India. Apart from this the Jat warrior Shewag and the decimator Sachin are all set to show with their bat in this important game.
So my bets are on an Indian win.
I just hope that the 2 teams produce a classic match to savour. I do hope that the peoples of the sub continent are given the fond memories of this encounter. May the team who performs best on the day ends as the winner and go on to win the final.
pakis wiil face defeat of such a magnitude that they will regret that why they reached in to semi fianls.
The cricket has always been a favorite game in the sub-continent particularly in India and Pakistan. The clash between the two neighbors in the cricket field plays an important role in connecting the people of both the countries. Hopefully this time the world cup semifinal, Inshallah, would also be great opportunity for the leaders of both countries to realize and resume the hampered dialogue process so that the black clouds could disappear and could pave a way for the better future of the two countries.
Say that cricket has nothing to do with politics and you say that cricket has nothing to do with life.
John Arlott
India would have absonded this match if Amir and Asif were part of the Pakistan Team today.
Darn it.
hindustan zindabad
The greatest ‘shot in the arm…… “ENCOURAGEMENT” and the greatest asset….”FAITH”. so them….
Pakistan should win, at least ,the Pak people can proud defeating India in sports, not in any other field facing worst economy,law and order on their side.
My heart goes with pakistan, but my mind with India
Good Luck Pakistan
It is good to see that after a long time we brothers (India & Pakistan) are playing cricket. Whoever wins i don’t bother. Ultimately the event is going to build good relations between people of both the countries. Indian prime minister has done good thing by inviting Pakistan leaders to come and watch the event.
I want the people of Pakistan and India to have good relations and try to solve the problems we both are facing together.
pakistan ‘s shaheens are ready to give a MARVELLOUS AND PAIN FUL defeat to indyans…………..inshAllah
pakistan zindabad
Ok…….Zindabad……
Finally mother of all games. Well in all likelyhood I want India to win. However I have enormous respect for Pakistan this time around. They worked hard to reach this semi-final. May the best time win gracefully. I hope this is the beginning of the start not the beginning of the end. I want teams to visit Pakistan and play cricket. I want India and Pakistan to play more regular matches. Hopefully we can leave politicans behind and promote sports and arts integrity.May the best team win.
Hi Everyone,
Either Indian win or Pakistan win, it does not matter. My Vote stll go to Australia as No. 1 Team and South Africa is No. 2. India or Pakistan still after them. If you win one or two match against both these team does not allow you to be Team No. 1.
If India win this match then it will be normal because India won almost all world cup match against Pakistan but if Pakistan will then there will be lot of changes ahead.
At Present Pakistan is passing through in very bad situation in every field such as Stability of the country, Economy growth, Terrorisim activities, high level of corrupctio etc. Under these circumstances, If they win then the CRICKET will bring the nation as united and actually they need it very badly for their stability and their growth to remain in world Map as reputed Nation.
I wish good luck to to both.
Veeran
In my openion Pakistan will win this match. India will be playing under pressure as they have always won against pakistan and they will be defending. Pakistan will play to win and there will be less pressure on Afridi.
Dear Veeran,
Indian team beat Australia twice, once in WC match and once in the warm up match for the WC. Australia is certainly not number one as even Pak has beaten them in this WC. As far as SA is concerned in the last 5 one days played between India and SA, Indian won 4 and SA 1 (in this WC).
Let us not underestimate India and it’s important we play with full mental toughness against India as India is very strong mentally.
Unfortunately our team has seen lot of match fixing so i hope this time we play with patriotism and not play with our countrymen emotions.
I admire Sachin Tendulkar. He is the best..
Good luck to both the teams. Whoever wins the game of cricket will shine.
India is the second ranked team, so stop sounding intellectual. Also, Australia will soon slip in the rankings too.
You are out of your mind. Australia is nowhere close to number 1 now. They are going to struggle for a few years before they find their ‘mojo’ again. SA may be close to 2 or 3.
Another thing is that winning a cricket world cup does not make any country big on the world stage or stable for that matter. Even if Pak win this, it does not change the fact that no country will be willing to travel there for at least a couple of more years unless their internal situation improves.
This may be hard to digest but it is true.
I think Pakistan must win for the reasons outlined by Veeran.
It will do good for peace in Pakistan,
How nice of you!! thanks from a Pakistani!
Very right, Veeran.
thankx dude,we eagerly need a relaxation whoever it gives, whether our team or any righteous true govt.
I dont care who wins in semi final. Rather i am happy that India beat Australia.Who ever wins in india pak match the winning team members will be millioniers. Commen people in bothe coutries get nothig.So enjoy watching the game of cricket thats all.
excellent
As a Indian Muslim I pray India beat Pakistan every time in every match. No other country has the passion and power like my country. LOVE YOU MY INDIA!
I think many Indians are praying that Sachin doesn’t score a century. Somehow there’s a direct relationship between Sachin’s century and India’s loss. Whatever the reason maybe.
Singh: Please do not worry the boom boom will defeate your team badly
I like your passion, but, do not forget, we are as crazy as you are, when it comes to cricket. After all, you think, we are any different from you??????
why do you have so much hatred toward pakistan… ??
As a proud Pakistani, I am looking forward to a Pakistan victory.
proud??
i think we all ppls of both countries have to look this match beyond politics and just as sports clash in which team play well will be the winner. looser must accept result positively and winner must respect loosers then no problem will created.
Well said Ashfaque. It is a game anywhich way you want to look at it. Let us encourage and support players from both the teams to give their best and sit back and enjoy a great game of cricket. It is natural for people on either sides to defend their respective teams and hope for a positive result. Their will be momentary sadness which is natural. The winners whoever it is should show humility in their victory and the losers grace in defeat.
May the best team win. Take this oppty to greet my brothers and sisters on the other side of the border. May the Lord be with you!!
completely agree with u my friend,,,lets cheer for the spirit of cricket and nothing else
we can’t do that ,its the sentimental matter that we are two different nations and different identities….
The semifinal between India and Pakistan is no doubt a high octane game. Its all on paper, an old riavls.
Infact the result will be one sided. India is gonna comfortably win the match. Hope S Akhtar gets a chance to play his last match.
Dear you are totally right because there is no ban on dreaming..
Always be reallistic and optimistic..
Both the sides are very strong expecting a nice fighting match..
My heart is saying that Pakistan will win the cup.. but brain is saying India..
Let see…
Friends Lets hope Mohali match will revive Indo-Pak cricketing ties.
pakistan is no match for indians. india will crush pakistan . pak wil face a defeat that its next generations will remember it for ever. remember bangalore quater finals
let the time talk
I think Tendulkar and Veeru will prove their greatness by hitting sixes early in the innings.
Tendulkar has to prove he can score century against pakistan ..and he will.Yuvraj also has to score sixes as well. and we will prove the greatness of india
sachin remember this is not quater final and its not banglore brother u guys were so quite when amir sohail and saeed anwar were beating the day lights out of india in ten overs yes u guys have a very strong bating line up but u dont have the bolwing to back it up so get ready for a thrill just think when india will be beaten in india by pakistan hahahahhah…….
Does score in first 10 overs matter after loss? I still remember last 5 overs of Indian inning, and they were more valuable in the match than the first 10 overs of pakistan.
Sachin, don’t be hating. Get ready to get beat up. PK rocks baby.
Sachin seems an angry young / old man. It is just a game and not war and as Afridi said, commenting on the tensions the match was going to generate, “it is just a game of cricket.” I don’t think that this game has place for people like Sachin. May the best team win and the best of luck to both. Problem, is that we on the sub continent have never been known for a sense of humor and sportsmanship. If there is a sense of terrific humor it is within the Sikh community, where they can laugh at themselves
I like the over confidence. I hope Dhoni and his boys are as over confident as yourself.
In your dreams buddy Indian team is a Joke
They have the best bowling and that DELIVERS ALL THE TIME.
India might have the best batting, but they not always deliver.
Pride comes before the fall. Careful.
@Hussain :- Your bowl attack is best?? What a joke :)) You remembered League match against kiwi?? specially last 5 overs??
Just a thought- if Pakistan won which is highly likely then Indian officials will have a nightmare on their hands. Problems with Indian crowds are well documented. India is a nation trying to win the cricket world with weight of money rather than skill. India has manufactured rankings due to special balls, no DRS and home made pitches. AUstralia can be beaten on a spinning track as poor Aussies had no spinner. Pakistan will be another matter- if Pakistan went to final then Shiv sena will be barking all over. Shiv Sena dug a pitch in 1999 New Delhi test and it was Wasim Akram’s hospitality that he stayed with the tour…Pakistan has not played in Mumbai Since 1989…Indian officials do not include Mumbai when Pakistan tours India and that is for a reason!
@KiwiRocker If Kiwis will get handsom ammount to lose against Srilanka, Will they lose? Does AUS, Eng make pitches to suit Indian bowling? In last decade only Indian team defeated Australia in Australia. is it enough. If that is the case India will Remain No 1 in rankings for next 100 years.
Good excuses.. I know and you know this pakistan team is no match for Indian team. I wonder how you even reached semi finals…. The story of spin is applicable to Pakistan and not India otherwose Afridi would not have been leading wicket taker in Pakistan. It was low scoring treacherous pitch in SL that helped Pakistan to win .. while Indian victory was clean on a fair pitch that never offered any help to spinners. More ever India beat Australia in Australia in 2008 in back to back matches when Australia had all the satrs playing for that.
This Pakistan team will collapse like a house of cards against India’s team. Keep your excuses ready…
Guys this in only a game celebrate it, don’t be with a typical mindset to come at each other, face the facts it is proven lies won/t take any one anywhere. Good wishes to both teams!
No one in Pakistan cares who win the world cup. Pakistanis have only one passion. Beat India in India.
till now impossible in any WC.all time india beat to pakistan in WC matches
match against pakistan will be a practice match for indians. pak will loose by atleast 250 runs
Dixit, there is no harm in dreaming :d keepp dreaming mr. This time history will change and Pak will defeat India Inshallah.
I think you need to re-visit yor understanding of the game. Here’s a tip, “think before you speak.”
Come on..Miss Dixit..this is little too much of optimisim. Wake up please!
You have to assess the both teams currently playing with each and every player. For me there are few cool people in Indian team like Dhoni and Raina. For Pakistan it is Misbah Ul Haque. Pakistan is little confusionover Shoiab Akthar who can single handedly win matches or vice-versa.
Umar Gul can be match with Zahir Khan.
Youvraj played key role when India wins 1st 20-20 WC. He is in best form in batting and bowling. Afridi in great form with bowling only.
Razzaq is also out of tocuh bur Raina playing beautifully. Ashwin in the team is advantage for India. Akmal brothers can be dangerous for India. For me India 51: Pak 49