Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Indians have made it



It's cricket and only cricket here, everything else has taken back seat, as Mohali prepares for the March 30 confrontation between India and Pakistan in the World Cup cricket semifinal.

Authorities have made all arrangements to welcome guests from across the border as a number of Pakistani cricket fans are expected here for what could to be a cracker of a match at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium.

"The PCA had given 50 tickets to the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) in advance. They can distribute them among their official guests, celebrities and VIPs. Besides, there are many Pakistani cricket fans who have bought tickets on their own. We have made all arrangements to welcome them," M.P. Pandove, PCA secretary, told IANS.

Inquiries from Pakistan were still pouring in, but Pandove said that the PCA cannot provide any more tickets.

"All tickets, which were with the PCA, have been sold. Therefore we cannot provide any more tickets to Pakistan fans; we are helpless," he said.

G.S. Walia, joint secretary of the PCA, told IANS: "We are expecting a very good number of Pakistani guests in the stadium. They will include senior politicians and celebrities. Scores of tickets have been bought by Pakistani fans. We will try our level best to accommodate them and to offer world-class facilities."

With the match fever spreading fast, almost all the rooms in the hotels in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali are already booked by the team officials, mediapersons and cricket fans.

"All rooms in my hotel are booked, but if any Pakistani guest approaches me, then I would certainly make arrangements for him. This is the best opportunity for us to be perfect hosts for our brothers and sisters," Manmohan Singh, who owns a hotel and is a member of the Chandigarh Hotels Association, told IANS.

Singh said his hotel will also offer special Pakistani cuisine at its restaurant.

Mohammad Alim, a Karachi-based businessman, told IANS: "I had come to Punjab for a business trip, but I have extended my stay here to watch the India-Pakistan match.

"I have talked to my friends in Karachi and many of them will be reaching here very soon. We are not concerned about the result as our only aim is to enjoy the company of Indian cricket enthusiasts and their hospitality."

Both Indian and Pakistani teams are at the Taj in Chandigarh, around 10 km from the stadium.

3 comments:

  1. Hi, Nice post! Would you please consider adding a link to my website on your page. Please email me back.

    Thanks!

    Harry
    harry.roger10@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is awesome post which increase my knowledge with such a rich information.
    luxury Hotels in Mohali

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi, Nice site I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing. Would it be possible if I contact you through your email? Please email me back. Thanks!

    Aaron Grey
    aarongrey112 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete