Priceless celebration for India fans
It was clear the first was going to be a little bit different as I enjoyed a pre-match beer at a bar around a mile from The Wanderers.
Without any prompting I was offered a staggering 200 crisp American dollars for a ticket which had cost me just 100 rand a few weeks previously.
In other words, £100 for a ticket that had a face value of a little over seven quid - but when India and Pakistan are squaring off in any cricket match, let alone the inaugural World Twenty20 final, then all financial logic seems to go out of the window.
The walk up Corlett Drive to the Wanderers reminded me of one of my first cricketing experiences abroad when thousands of ticketless fans were wandering around the roads around Eden Gardens desperately looking for a ticket to the 1996 World Cup semi-final.
This time, however, the ticketless fans were held back at a police roadblock more than half a mile from the ground with each one (or so it felt) shouting out how much they were prepared to pay to those of us who slipped through the cordon with ticket in hand.
Somehow, large numbers of supporters from both sides had slipped through that cordon and the desperation, along with the ridiculous amount of cash being offered, increased to dizzying heights as the turnstiles approached.
If anyone had any doubt to as how the tournament has been embraced over here, they only needed to look at the truly awesome spectacle of thousands upon thousands of Indian and Pakistani flags being waved all round The Wanderers.
Not only that but the, and let's be generous here, 'banter', being exchanged by both sets of fans meant that the Bullring was at boiling point way before the teams came out to contest the final.
That excitement was ramped up by each set of fans as wickets tumbled and sixes were hit high and hard into the crowd.
Hats off to the tournament organisers for toning down the inter-over music and let the crowd create a unique atmosphere all of their own.
Well, at least I think they turned the tunes down or perhaps they were drowned out by the crowd.
Just when it appeared things couldn't get much more manic the sighting of Bollywood megastar in one of the corporate boxes high in the heavens cranked the atmosphere up another notch.
The crowning glory of this fantastic tournament has to be that the final itself went to the final over.
When Misbah-ul-Haq sank to his knees after flipping his attempted match-winning shot straight into the hands of Sree Santh the Indian fans went suitably crazy with joy.
I'd been so wrapped up in the unforgettable atmosphere and tension of the afternoon it wasn't until later on I remembered the £100 I turned down for my ticket.
But I wouldn't have parted with my ticket for anything to have missed being part of a fantastic finale to a truly memorable tournament.
°ä´Ç³¾³¾±ð²Ô³Ù²õÌýÌýPost your comment
INDIA WERE 2 GOOD!!!!!
NO1 GAVE INDIA A CHANCE AT THE START OF THE COMPETITION, BUT THEY SHOWED PURE CLASS!!!!
INDIA ZINDABAAAAAAAD!!!!!!!!!!!
Complain about this comment
INDIA ZINDABAAAAAAAAAAD!!!!!!
Complain about this comment
Both India & Pakistan were (almost) equally good. As a supporter of 'Team India' I wanted to see India take the cup away but it was sorry to see a young Pakistan side lose the tournament.
Like India, no one gave Pakistan a chance. Kudos to both the teams for creating a great atmosphere in teh finals.
Complain about this comment
What an assume game to finish off the world cup with. The betting odds must have been going up and down like a yo-yo.
Awesome. Congrats to India, worthy winners. Pakistan and India proved themselves to be the 2 best teams in the tournament in my eyes. I'm only sorry England didn't do a bit better.
Sigmar
Complain about this comment
India is great team, with the existing players, i think they have proved without a good coach and seniar playes they can take the heat hatsup to them. Pakistani were over confidant and payed the price
Complain about this comment
Congrats to India and Pak as well for a great tournament.
I was however puzzled by the comments Malik made at the end of such a good tourmanet.
He said sorry to "all muslims around the world" for not able to win.
How stupid can you be???
Complain about this comment
All inclusive Team
In a time of heightened religious tension & intolerance, India have show the way with a team based on talent and not religious believes.
Does anyone have a breakdown of the religions of the 11 men who played in the final yesterday?
Complain about this comment
The breakdown of the religion of the 11 men in the Indian team is
7 - Hindu
2 - Muslim
1 - Sikh
1 - Christian
Complain about this comment
bob: "Does anyone have a breakdown of the religions of the 11 men who played in the final yesterday?"
Answer: India does not believe in religion when playing. But fyi, there were 2 muslims playing in India and one was the Man of Match. Its really really a shame that Pak skipper chose Muslims to thanks for there support. What a hell, India has more muslims then Pakistan but damn sure no one was supporting Pakistan. Why cannot Pak team forget religion in Sports atleast???
Complain about this comment
Well said Tom M #9
Complain about this comment
Being a proud Indian muslim I am seriously offended by the Pakistani Captain's comments. Malik's assumption that all muslims support Pakistan shows his ignorance.
And it was especially disappointing after such a great game.
Complain about this comment
I have been in South Africa for the whole tournament, seeing all England's games plus one semi & the final. It has been a tremendous success, the comparison with the flop of a world cup is massive.
Even things like the dancers & music have added to the event (something I thought I'd NEVER say). The price of tickets has been a major factor, along with the policy of letting school groups into the less attractive games, e.g. when we played N Zealand at 10a.m. in Durban.
(One point though - there was a fight between some Indians & Pakistanis on the grass bank in the final, something that probably won't be reported.)
Complain about this comment
I think, this should be the future of cricket, 20 20 or something similar, just because this really brings out the BEST in every team, always thrilling, performing and entertaining to the entire WORLD. 50 over 1 days and becoming obsolete and time consuming for this changing world.
India came a long way and they DESERVE every bit of this VICTORY and I am sure this is just the begining.
JOB well DONE!!
Thanks
VK - Fresno CA
Complain about this comment
Lay Tests and ODIs to rest. On with Twenty20.
Twenty20 is the best thing that's happened to cricket. It's time to dump the dinosaur that is Test cricket. And ODIs are not much different too.
Twenty20 is more in tune with today's world - it has the potential to make cricket a truly international sport (as opposed to one that's played mostly by former British colonies).
Thanks to India & Pakisatn for providing an entertaining finalé. And congrats India on winning the cup.
Complain about this comment
Shad (#15): No offence for Malik but something is wrong back home which keep this religion thing is mind at all the times. No doubt Pak played excellent cricket else the final would not have been so interesting.
20-20 Rules. And the best thing is Australia was kicked out in semi's itself.
Complain about this comment
For us Indians festivals, celebrations and pilgrimages are part and parcel of our regular life. Festivals like Chathurthi, Diwali, Navratri, Dusserah, Pongal, Onam, Chaath, Id, Christmas and other festivities fill our annual calendars.
Major victories in cricket for our national team in competitions against the best teams from the cricketing world are becoming nationwide celebrations, even if the Indian victories happen to be in remote parts of Africa.
Our world conquering cricketers are the high priests of our cricket festivals and celebrations. Our former and retired cricketers continue their ongoing mission through their preaching and writing on cricketing matters through print and electronic media.
When our revered cricketers fail to deliver the goods in the form of runs, wickets and victories, we tend to be impatient and angry with their human frailties, just as our ancestors showed their displeasure to the rain gods for failing to provide rains on time.
The element of pilgrimage is very much our cherished cultural heritage. We love to go to watch our heroes performing live wherever and whenever we can. Our joy is full when they make the desired miracles.
The hallowed green lawns at Jo'burg, Pretoria, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Potchefstrom, Stellenbosch and other cricketing shrines in lovely South Africa will fondly recount and recall the wonderful heroics of T20 World Champions from India.
Complain about this comment
all the excitement and glory was damaged by communal statement from pakistan capion appologising muslims all over world for pakistan`s failure as if they rpresent muslim world
uttttttttterly ridiculous
there were more happy indian muslims than sad pakistani muslims as india has the largest muslim population in single nation in world........
we all should stop this mentality creeping in the world of cricket......... otherwise we will see another muslim cricket league sooner than later
Complain about this comment
20:20 invented by England; perfected by India.
Chak de India.
Complain about this comment
Actually there were 2 Sikhs in the winning team. Not that it matters as the Indian team have shown what can be achieved by different faiths working together towards the same goal.
Malik's comment was absurd considering in the most recent Pakistan teams have included a Christian & Hindu!
Maybe it was the pressure of having to conduct the interview so soon after such a devastating defeat.
Complain about this comment
My Dear Pakistanis,
Please, for the sake of the ALMIGHTY, remember once and for all, when India & Pakistan play against each other, its a match between 2 nations, and not between 2 religions. I am sure there are more Muslims in India who whole heartedly supported & celebrated the victory, than the # of muslims in Pakistan who are mourning. If you go into a sporting event thinking that your religion is at stake, then you are never going to focus on your target of winning that match. You will only be obsessed with fanatical thoughts of the backlash back at home if u dont return victorious. These thoughts will draw your attention away from the actual task at hand. That is what happened in the last over. All that the batsman needed to do was face the balance 5 balls & he could have easily achieved the required 5 runs. But his mind was full of negative thoughts, "What if we loose? What will the people back home tell us?" We will be humilated for once again loosing to the "Hindus". That is what happens when u bring religion into sports. The muslims of India are Indians first and muslims later. The best performance of man of the match Irfan Pathan has always been against Pakistan, since the begining of his career. Forget 1947, TODAY, if given a choice, the majority of Pakistani muslims will be happy to come and settle down in India. That is the state of the Muslim Pakistan. So be a sport, and accept defeats in your stride. It was India's day yesterday, it can be anybody else's day tomorrow.
Complain about this comment
A great tournament which really sold the game of cricket to the masses.
Phil thanks for your comments in the past few days you have seen some wonderful moments in the game of cricket.
As for the Indian Team breakdown i feel its a bit wrong from what someone has posted above:
2 Sikhs
2 Muslims
2 Christians
5 from the Hindu religion
G Gambhir - Hindu
YK Pathan - Muslim
RV Uthappa - Christian
Yuvraj Singh - Sikh
MS Dhoni - Hindu
RP Sharma - Hindu
IK Pathan - Muslim
Harbhajan Singh - Sikh
Joginder Sharma - Hindu
S Sreesanth - Christian
RP Singh - Hindu
With India's recent history i am sure many are aware of Mohammed Azharuddin who captained the side for many years was also from the Muslim religion.
India is a country of all faiths. Cricket is the religion that brings them all together :)
Proud to be indian
Complain about this comment
How could the format of this slog-fest fail to be a success, when the only thing that appears to count with today's "sports fans" is their constant and insatiable appetite for adrenaline rushes?
If Twenty20 takes off, can we call it something other than cricket and leave that name to the game we have known for so long? Perhaps the one-day games could be known respectively as Fifty50 "NearCricket" and the Twenty20 game "NowhereNearCricket"
Complain about this comment
Great achievement by the Indian Cricket Team. Hats off to all of u, we sense a new era of indian cricket under the leadership of MSD.....
M a true indian and a die hard fan of cricket, and its really upsetting for a cricketing fan to hear a comment based on community. The comment made by MR. Shoaib Malik only goes to show where the cricket is going in this country they are now looking for sympathy in the form of support, religion has nothin to do for a person who understands and love sports, and if u trying to prove the world the love you have for ure religion, then why did the shoaib/asif incident occured?????
Wat about the comment once made by the great cricketing legend Javed Miandad on Irfan Pathan. And it was Irfan Pathan who won the Man of the Match and he is determined to get a lot more against your team.
Mr Malik u need to concentrate more on team building rather than religion building...
Complain about this comment
What a match and what a completion of the same of the grand finale of first ever T20 World Cup.
Hats off to both India and Pakistan but personal comments from Pakistan Captain looked a bit personal.
Hope folks will learn sooner rather than later and provide sports goal based performance for the sake of their own nation and game of cricket.
Complain about this comment
Sorry Miling Panaday u r wrong. I am a pakistani muslim and i do not want to settle in India. My apolgies but thought I should make it clear to you.
Complain about this comment
Hey Malik, don't apologise to muslims. That's really stupid ! I am a muslim, a Bangladeshi, citizen of the only other muslim-majority cricketing country apart from Pakistan, and I am not sorry that you lost, though I thank your team for turning the final into a thoroughly entertaining and riveting game. Ashraful and his team represents me and the millions of fans from my country, you don't. You have nothing to apologise to us. Please remember that, when you lose, it's just the Pakistani team who loses (in a game). When we FedExed India to their home from the WIndies World Cup, it's merely the Indian team which lost in a particular match, not Hindus neither 'India'. Please keep your religion to your private self and continue enterataining us by your passionate performance on the field and the antics off the field (e.g. Shoaib vs. Asif incident :-)) ). Thank you.
Complain about this comment
You were an india anyways beofre 15th august 1947 WS. And you would be hoping now that you would be an indian and could have involved in celebrating the great result of final.
shame to the man who made a serious comment at the end of the match realating to the religious because it was irfan pathan Indian Muslim who destroyed pakistan's batting order and made them loose... the game!!!!
well done guys keep it going!!!
Chak De India Allways.....
Complain about this comment
who was the person who handed Dhoni the Trophy. that guy just ran away and seemed to be in rush to run away. Disgraceful behaviour.
Complain about this comment
Both the teams have given their best. Kudos to IND & PAK. Also, glad to see AUS getting out in semis. The only unfortunate element is Pak captain talking about all muslims. Let us look at this just as a game and let us enjoy it without religion.
Complain about this comment
Both the teams have given their best. Kudos to IND & PAK. Also, glad to see AUS getting out in semis. The only unfortunate element is Pak captain talking about all muslims. Let us look at this just as a game and let us enjoy it without religion.
Complain about this comment
neelam,
that was to escape the champange jizz. thats all. dont get upset.
malik, your players played like heroes but your apology for muslims was pretty silly at the end dude.
Complain about this comment
Lets see this young Indian team play 50 overs about time we dropped Gangers, Dravid and the magician lets see wot the young ones can do
Complain about this comment
it was a awesome spectacle except for Malik's "Muslim world" remarks...
Complain about this comment
theres only 1 team and its da mighty pakistan
PAKISTAN ZINDABAD
Complain about this comment
I am happy and delighted for India winning the T20 world cup , but aren't we going a bit overboard?When we won the Test series in England, there were no fasts , prayers , unofficial holidays , multiplexes being booked for match screenings etc and announcement of multi crore awards. To me the test series win in England in seaming swinging conditions against a side with an excellent home record definitely ranks more highly than the twenty20 spectacle we just witnessed.Awards are being announced left , right and centre , Yuvraj alone getting a Porsche to go along with his 1 crore Rs apparently just for hitting six sixes in an over.While they do deserve it, it needs to be put in a context.Other than England and South Africa , none of the teams had any training or practice of T20 cricket before this of any significance.Not even 20 T20 international matches had been played before the world cup.Thats why i feel almost anybody had a chance of winning this , and wouldnt have been surprised if Zimbabwe or
Bangladesh had made it to the semis.To call this
a genuine world cup seems hard to digest. None of the top BCCI administrators actually understand cricket , what with its motley crew of corrupt politicians and greedy businessmen who are there just to milk Indian cricket for what its worth. I suppose any cricket tournament with "ICC" and "world" in its name brings out the animal in us.And finally people who are baying for Tendulkar's blood because India won the T20 cup without him are not thinking clearly.He was exceptional in the Test series and pretty good in the ODI series as well , and if you watched him fight it out and bat in England , you would still feel he has a couple of years of cricket left in him , though probably he needs to be rotated in the ODI format with Gambhir or Sehwag alternatively opening to extend his expiry date. Dravid still is the wall as we affectionately know him and not having him in test matches is unthinkable at the moment.Ganguly and Laxman are special too , but you get the feeling that the team wouldn't fare too badly without them.Neither has made any exceptional scores in the test arena for some time.
Complain about this comment
Milind Pandit' Comments. I think he has forgotten what happened with muslims in India in the Past. They are second degree citizen in India. How stupid he is to say Pakistanis want to settle in India. Poor India...
For Malik's comments we should give him a room for error as he is still inexperienced and it was really a close match loss so may be he wanted to mention 'All Pakistanis around the World.. but instead he said the 'Muslims'. He is a human after all.
For India's victory I would say that it is really a dream victory for them and they will remember it for many more years. It is like a great stage set for them beating South Africa, then Aussies and then Pakistan in final. I dont remember a better cricket victory for them. Congratulation to Them..
But we should keep in mind that the score line was 4 Balls and 6 Runs so it was that close A one shot away All people here would be talking Pakistan Victory.
This was really a victory for sport that we all love.
Regards..
Complain about this comment
INDIAN Team was excellent in all aspects: team coordination, spirit and hunger for success and they showed it on pitch. Young team with great desire!!! WELL DONE.
After Mallik's Comments - Pakistan board/coach need to do some serious thinking "NOT only train them to play better cricket but also put some basic sense to player that they represent Pakistan team NOT Whole Muslim World."
Complain about this comment
I had told hundreds of times in the past not to allow Sachin open the innings. When he opens and out even after getting a reasonable score, all players succumb to tremendous pressure and fear and as a result, they will not play to their full potential. This is mainly because when Sachin is in the team, to everyone including the team management, media and the public, only Sachin is the batsman in Indian team and all others are in a way underestimated. When Sachin was out of the team a couple of years ago, India had won 17-18 matches in a row chasing (thinking of that even in the wildest dreams was ridiculous prior to that) and that was an all time record. Now India won the 20/20 World Cup and all are giving full credit to Dhoni. I accept that because Dhoni's leadership was excellent. But, I think, the main reason behind this win is in the absence of Sachin, Dravid and Ganguly, because in their absence, all players in the team got almost equal importance and that helped them to bring out the best out of them and all were instrumental in winning matches in one way or the other. Congratulations Team India.
Complain about this comment
I really think people are taking shoaibs comments too seriously.. i think it proves that he still has lots to learn, and i am sure it wasnt what he meant.. it was a big stage for him at such an early stage of his captainancy.. give him the benefit of doubt.
As for the cricket, what an amazing spectacle! Being a pakistani, naturally I was disappointed, but its not the end of the world. Congrats to India - both teams would have been deserved winners. Through sport, let us heal our divisions.. we are in essence the same people, same cultures, same food etc.. and all religions preach the same messages about humanity and compassion towards each other.
I told my colleagues at work that i was in a win-win situation... i am pakistani, but my grandparents were Indian! a few of them are a bit slow and didnt catch on.. I just hope this is the beginning of the demise of the Aussies, who i cannot stand becasue of their arrogance! Pakistan to whitewash india in forthcoming tests and one days!
peace to all..
Complain about this comment
What a tournament and final game. It cannot get better. I thik Doni should thank all secular people in world as team won !!!! (Just kidding)
Seriously speaking, I DON'T want to see another 50/50 match. Test matches is another thing. Test is pure cricket , but what is 50/50 doing there.Its PURE BORING cricket compared to 20/20. I hope 50/50 will die its natural death in as soon as possible.
I know BCCI won't be happy as they think they make more money in 50/50 format than 20/20. But if replace 50/50 matches with 20/20 our productivity in the country will go up by 60%!!
The greatest aspect of this tournement was Ausies lost 3 times. We need that uncertainity in game , otherwise what is sports after all.
Lets forgive Pakistani Captain for what he said on religion, I was shocked when I first heard it., May be he didn't prepare a graceful speach on losing side.
Complain about this comment
I think Shoaib Malik meant to say Pakistanis around the world, but said Muslims instead. It is the month of Ramadan and I'm sure he had a lot on his mind.
But to be realistic, there are many Indian Muslims who support Pakistan. Before talking about secular ideals, you should read the news regarding riots in Indian Kashmir and Gujarat that happened today between Muslims and Hindus over victory celebrations for the Indian team. (This is a fact, look it up on Yahoo/Reuters news) Shoaib Malik was married to an Indian Muslim (Hyderabadi) woman he met in Dubai, he knows reality. Yes, the majority of Muslims in India probably support the Indian team, but there are definitely "Muslims" around the world who support Pakistan, simply because it was the first country in the world made specifically for Muslims (the reason it was created). I personally know non-Pakistani Muslims (from India and BD) who support Pakistan's team. Most don't but many do. That is reality.
But like I said, I dont think he said it as a political statement, he had just lost the final of a tournament about 5 minutes earlier, he was probably disappointed and misspoke. It happens.. I think the fact that it was Ramadan was probably in his mind and caused him to say Muslims.
Complain about this comment
ABout JUNAID's comments on India, those are unfortunate and totally wrong. Second class citizens ? Ask our president Abdul Kalam or Shahrukh Khan who rules biggest fan following or Azeem Premji who is richest indian or Mohd Azharuddin or musical king AR Rehman ... There are equal opportunities for everybody. Nothing has been done in past which was bad for muslims. India is unique miracle for that matter. Just dont go to that point.
To Fahad's point, riots do happen in every country. Pakistan knows it better. If you look at it, Gujrat riot was initiated by muslims by planned burning of hindus in train.
On the contarary, if you see in pakistan 1947 there were 8% hindus which are reduced to 1.5% in just 60 years. That shows the plight of non-muslims. India has 85% Hindus but it is not hindu Nation. today its headed by SIkh supported by Catholic lady. Till recently its president was muslim. Think... Think...
how many such examples we have in world.
Complain about this comment
India deserved to win because they bowled Pakistan out by holding their nerve. India scored 157/5 and Pakistan were 152/10!!!!
I was not happy with Shoaib Malik's comments about being sorry to all the Muslims around the world for losing to India!!! Was he sorry to Irfan & Yusuf Pathan as well!!!! When will the Pakistanis stop mixing religion and sport together.....Well done INDIA!! 50 overs ODI's will seem a very boring format after watching T20 games as well.
Complain about this comment
No matter how one wins, a victory is a victory. Well, the T20 final does not permit me say "India won" but forces me say "Pakistan lost", and it's more precise. Well, again, a victory is a victory, no matter how it comes. Watch the match and match the watch.
Complain about this comment
Great narration...
You cannot escape from cricket in india..Peole are knowledgable and emotional about cricket.
And its always tough to get a ticket for an india match..i am desparately searching for a ticket for this saturday's match INDAI Vs AUS...
Thanks
Sreekanth Nair
Bangalore.
India
Complain about this comment
Does any body remmber the comments made by Wasim the former Pak. captain when they lost to Bangladesh in 1999 in england.his words were, it's OK we only lost to Muslim country,with a big smile on his face.he was invetigated for that match later on as being fixed.All of u please stop throwing mud at each other,it was a comment made at a moment when he was down and out.Iam a hindu born in Lahore,I had tears of joy in my eyes when Pakistan won the world cup in Aust.As some body said it,s only a game of cricket.Was any of u were at the first Test match between India and Pak.well that match was played between 2 nations but not 2 religions.
Complain about this comment
India is going places / fastest growing economy in the world, world champions of cricket, super power nation, an envy to all. I am so proud to be indian, it's unbelieveable. Chak de india for life !
Complain about this comment
If they are really a lot of tolerant and intelligent indians then why this debate about Malik's comments...he's human and obviously his english is not great and subject to misinterpretation..anyway the cricket was good and the rivalry stands..even if he meant what he said ..he has the right to say what he pleases..like it or not..we are behind him
Complain about this comment
I thought this article was about the wonderful atmosphere for the Twenty-20 finals. How could it ever degenerate into mud-slinging between Indians and Pakistanis.
I think BOTH countries should rejoice at the quality of cricket provided by BOTH teams. Honestly, people seem to overlook this greatest positive fact that has come out of this tournament!!
Complain about this comment
Phil,
Ur columns are really entertaining and informative at the same time. Keep the cricket fan perspective flowing. Cheers.
MK
Complain about this comment
Well there you go again.After a cricket match b/w india & pakis,there is a match going on here.But what i fail to understand is why are all pakistanis trying to prove that indian muslims support pakistan whole heartedly.And if thats true,its a shame and they should try to hide this fact not bring it out in the open.Because the only thing it proves is their divided loyalty.They eat,earn and live in india and support pakistan.Indians(whether hindu or muslim) do not want such ppl residing in our country.So take them home,to pakistan,bangladesh or indonesia,we dont care.
As for shoaib malik's comment,i dont think he meant to say pakistanis and uttered muslims.It was said to generate sympathy for himself and his team.
Complain about this comment
These are Shoaib's exact comments from the bbc website, someone is spreading false rumors and anti-Pak hatred here:
"I want to thank everyone back in Pakistan and around the world - sorry we didn't win but we did give 100%. We bowled superbly, but we played a few bad shots"
Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik
Complain about this comment
Great indian team? wake up.indian team was never gr8 never will b.they have a few good batsmen but batsmen cannt win matches.when WI team was at peak every team inculing india was looking for hiding and Pak was the only team that never gave up.get life guys u 4got javed,s six or waseem,s six on last balls. Pak played well till last over and indians were pieing in trousers out of fear of loss. how seemly young bowler like GUL tied down ur lefty who had played six sixes? get real buddies.
Complain about this comment
The twenty20 final between India and Pakistan is a win for all people who love cricket no matter what passport they hold. It was an exciting game to watch because of the quality of the cricket. As an Indian, I am proud of all of our people, no matter what religion, what colour and whatever external facets they may have. I am also proud that my Pakistani neighbours gave us a tough challenge. Now that dear sirs, is cricket!
Complain about this comment
Hi Phil. How i envy you? I would hv offered 10 times the ticket price to you.
Gr8 match between two equal teams.
I am an Indian and and like most indians I was also shocked when I heard Malik statement. But I believe like most of my pakistani brothers that it was a slip of a tongue. Happens. Perhaps it was month of ramadan. He shouldnt have worried about the backlash at home, as they had done their country proud. I would have been proud of India regardless of the result. I was thrilled enough to see them enter into finals on back of such amazing victories. One thing.. among my generation, not many are divided over religion.
This hindu was celebrating it till late hours of the night along with some muslim and christian pals of mine. all said..any rivalry will have its extremes even if only a fraction. Dont believe in this fraction.
Complain about this comment
I am a proud Indian Muslim who is Indian first & foremost and Muslim much further down the trough.
The Pakistani person above stating that Indian Muslims (or Christians/etc) support Pakistan is utter RUBBISH and merely meant to infuriate Indians and Indian Muslims in particular. I wonder how such a comment made it past the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Mods here.
In any case, congrats to India on the win !!
From a Proud Indian Muslim,
Muhammad
P.S: now you boys had better play better against the Aussies, you hear !
Complain about this comment
Congrats to India for winning, to Pakistan for making it a great final, to all the other teams for great entertainment but especially to all of South Africa for making it a great tournament.
My wife and i went to all the games in Cape Town and we had a fantastic time. All the fans had a fun, ticket prices were sensible, (beer prices were even more sensible) and everyone seemed to have a really enjoyable time.
mark
Complain about this comment
Congrats.to Australia.Already 2-0 up against India and showing a much more balanced view of one day cricket.India are an extremely average one day side.The 20-20 tournament was just a lottery;everyone knows that.
Complain about this comment
Congrats.to Australia.Already 2-0 up against India and showing a much more balanced view of one day cricket.India are an extremely average one day side.The 20-20 tournament was just a lottery;everyone knows that.
Complain about this comment
Congrats.to Australia.Already 2-0 up against India and showing a much more balanced view of one day cricket.India are an extremely average one day side.The 20-20 tournament was just a lottery;everyone knows that.
Complain about this comment
Mr. Young, You are not only Young but also immature ! Agreed that India was not one of most favourite team in T20 world cup. But they went on winning games fair and square. Its just a game, have some dignity and grace in defeat, else you will be called 'looser'.
It will take something more to convince than posting same message thrice.
Complain about this comment
Let me correct you Harminder...
Sreesanth and Robin Uthappa both are not christians..both are Hindus..(Robin's mom is Roselyn...a christian)
Complain about this comment
Hello mr. pakistani, you don't want to seteldown in india???? we are talking about most of the pakistani muslims, and not only about you!!!
make the survey and come with the stats!
very very shameful malik!!!!
Complain about this comment