There could not be a better way than this to welcome 2013, for cricket lovers! The Home Ministry has given a nod for a five-match India-Pakistan cricket series come December 22.
The series will see India fight Pakistan in three ODIs’ and two T20s’ International and will once again likely prove to be the mother of all matches.
Fans are excited about the series as it will see the two nations clash after a gap of five years. Pakistan had last toured India in November 2007 and ties broke down post 26/11. Metrolife speaks to cricket enthusiasts to find out how they feel about a prospective showdown - albeit only on cricket grounds - again.
Aman Kohli, a professional is ecstatic. “This is great news for all of us. What better way to kickstart the coming year. I am hoping that we win all the matches. India-Pakistan matches are bigger than even Ashes because of the history attached. I am eagerly waiting for the series to start.”
It will be a big series, enhanced further by the thought that it will most likely be the final time for some of the players who will be taking part in this illustrious battle between the two cricketing giants. One the world’s great batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, will be focusing on the ODIs, for what could be a memorable final series against India’s biggest rivals on home soil. “I want to see Sachin bat like never before, although his age would not allow him to do so but this historical series can be one of his last series as plans of his retirement are floating everywhere,” says Saurav Kashyap, a young businessman.
Beyond all statistics and rivalry, the one thing that the contest will prove is the love for cricket that both countries share. This series will further show that this ‘gentleman’s sport’ is way ahead of political agendas. “Although cricket has never helped to rectify the relationship between the two nations, it can be great way to at least initiate some talk between India and Pakistan. Cricket is the only source through which you can find common ground between the two countries,” states Borun Gorai, a software developer in an MNC.
With five years having passed without a series, fans have been deprived of a chance to witness epic encounters, providing all the more reason now to look forward to the upcoming series.
