Let's welcome Pakistan home!

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has finally approved of Pakistan’s visit for a bilateral series this December.

24^th September, 2007- the moment that every Indian and Pakistani alike were watching with bated breath. All eyes were on Indian fielder Sreesanth and Pakistani batsmen Misbah-ul-Haq, as the ball was scooped in the air by the batsmen behind the wicket-keeper’s head. This was a do or die situation for both teams playing the final match of the first T20 World Cup tournament in Johannesburg. With one wicket in hand for the Men in Green and 6 runs to win from the final three balls of the match, this was a shot that could make either of the teams the first T20 champions. As the fans in the stands prayed to the lords and ardent followers shouted out their feelings, the stadium could only hear two voices, ‘it’s a Six’ and ‘catch it Sreesanth’. With the catch being held on by Sreesanth and Pakistan declared all out, India went on to become the fitting winners of the T20 World Cup.

A feeling of déjà vu was in the air when India and Pakistan faced each other once again under similar circumstances on the 30^th of March 2011, for the ODI World Cup hosted in India. Only this time, it was to book a place in the finals against Sri Lanka. With Pakistan having earned the reputation of losing to India in all World Cup matches, Pakistan was in for a fight and India were out to prove a point with the sole desire of lifting another World Cup after 27 years. Once again, not only did the countries battle on field, but also off field, with the crowd exhilaration reaching new heights. India – Pakistan battles are no longer on field, they are personal and yet again Pakistan lost to India and India went on to become the winners of the World Cup 2011.

After having played Pakistan only in World Cup tournaments where the battle between the two teams is inevitable, no series were played between the Men in Green and the Men in Blue. The audiences and fans have had to wait for opportunities to see these teams get on the field and play against each other. The intense rivalry between the two teams can be felt in the blood and veins of every Indian as well as Pakistani. With matches between India and Pakistan being watched by 30 million viewers across the globe, it’s worth a momentary thought as to why the fans have had to wait for years to feel this undying euphoria.

It’s taken five long years for us to welcome home the neighbouring country into ours for what is termed as the gentlemen’s game – the game of cricket.

It’s time to feels this adrenaline rush once again as we finally open our arms and doors to the Men in Green to cross the border and play the limited overs game this December. There will be plenty to look out for in terms of drama and anticipation. It’s time to play in front of packed stadiums and screaming fans of both countries once again. With Pakistan hoping to win against their most dreaded rivals on their home turf, India too won’t be too far behind with their intentions.

With the battle of the teams on the cricket ground, what also will be exciting to watch for will be how the home crowd performs. It’s been a long wait for the fans of the game in both countries. No India-Pakistan battle is complete without the emotional backing of their supporters. This time around too, the crowds of both countries will be in full form as the wait for them is finally over this winter season. It’s going to be the battle of the Gods and the battle of prayers. No matter who wins, one thing is for sure – India and Pakistan fans are going to experience a lot more battles after this one, but only until the next controversy creeps up.

Who will really take on the battle in its true spirits will be the talk of the town? 25^th December, 2012 will mark the beginning of an exhilarating and thrilling series between the neighbours. Who will able to keep their patience and triumph will be the biggest question to be answered, so get on the cricket bandwagon as we promise to keep you updated, and please be sure to keep yourself updated too.