I am a girl : a Desi girl that too. And so growing up, I was bought up to play feminine sports. Thus, I played Badminton, Field Hockey and even the very British Netball. Then one day, my father introduced me to a sport that would eventually take me from girl to woman and forever change my passion for any sport: Cricket. From the moment I watched my first match, I realized I had found myself addicted, obsessed and well, officially a Cric-a-holic!
My school days included many late nights of cricket watching after which I would proudly walk into school, with tired eyes but victory in my eyes. I’ll never understand why I’m so profoundly fond, and that is putting it lightly, of cricket. It’ll never be just any other sport for me; I’d choose a game of cricket over a night out, a grand meal and even a Hindi movie. Needless to say, I am a complete and thorough Team India fan and not because I happen to be Indian but because I genuinely believe we do have the best team in the world. That and the fact that I am blinded by all things India…but that’s a different story.
Like billions, I too sat up late to watch India battle it out with Australia at the Cricket World Cup 2011, Quarter Final. And it delivered what we all expected: one helluva nail biting match. We went on to win the match and destroy whatever opportunity Australia had at reaching the Semi Finals. And now, India finds themselves set to create history yet again as they meet Pakistan in the Semi Finals. You know this means business and while billions will tune in via a number of outlets, television, online and radio, you really cannot help but wonder, why on earth are we so obsessed by India-Pakistan cricket matches? Here are the top 5 reasons why.
The History
Historically speaking, India and Pakistan have been battling it out on the cricket pitch for over 50 years. India went on to win the first test match both countries played in Delhi. It took Pakistan 26 years to finally win an entire series against India. During the years of 1965 and 1971, absolutely no cricket was played between both countries as two wars were being fought. At the World Cup, India-Pakistan matches have always favored the Indians as they have never lost a match against the Pakistanis.
The Moments
Previously at the World Cup, India-Pakistan matches have provided us with some heated moments that created history. Whether it was Javed Miandad’s antics in the 1992 match or Aamer Sohail’s rubbing Venkatesh Prasad in the wrong way only to be bowled out rather quickly, India-Pakistan matches are never ones that are simple.
The Meet-Ups
Everyone has their favorite India-Pakistan pairs. Fans all over wait with baited breath for the real contest to begin. You can expect cheers galore when Shoaib Akhtar bowls to Sachin Tendulkar especially since in the past Shoaib has challenged Sachin numerous times only to be hit all over the park. And then a more recent rivalry has been cooking up between Shahid Afridi and Gautam Gambhir. They were both seen exchanging a mouthful a few games ago and fans are hoping for another dose.
Sachin Factor
It doesn’t matter who India plays, the entire world accumulates to watch Sachin Tendulkar play. His knack and passion for the game has yet to be seen or understood by any other player in the world. But what fans love most about Sachin is his simplicity. He arrives, plays his natural game and will walk off the pitch with utmost dignity. You will never see another player like him ever again. Ever. This happens to be Sachin Tendulkar’s last World Cup making this even more special.
The Fans
And lastly, it’s the fans who make every single India-Pakistan match worth watching. They come out in full force to the stadium support their team, carry banners, paint their faces and bodies ready to watch two of biggest cricketing rivals play their favorite game. In the sub continent, cricket is hardly a sport; it’s a religion. Offices shut down; people abandon the streets just for this one match. Expect fireworks!
