The one-day fiesta, which gave enjoyment and thrill to the cricket fans of the two neighbouring countries, thanks to the thaw in the strained relations between the arch-foes, is over. The matches are now history but many have the memory of the high-velocity encounters, the enthralling batting of captain Inzamam and Yasir Hameed, the strong-armed-hitting of Razzaq and Shahid Afridi, the breaking of 100 mph barrier by the home speedsters Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami.
The Indians two were not behind in this cricket bonanza: the master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, confidently smashing the deliveries, Rahul Dravid playing matured and organised knocks, Kaif delighting the spectators with his swift and assured stroke-making in Karachi and Lahore and his rapid pickups and throws and splendidly held catches near the on-side and off boundaries.
One cannot forget these feats, certainly better than the efforts made by the two nations during the previous trips of the squads to Pakistan and India.
Besides, the brotherly meetings in the pavilions, between the spectators of the two countries, the lusty clappings during the duels, the friendly atmosphere in the stands in the cities, south and north, were some of the best results of the resumption of the cricketing ties after a gap 15 years.
If there were mismanagement at the venues, black-marketing of tickets in the cities, strict vigilance by the law-enforcement agencies and non-availability of drinking water in the stands they were all forgotten by the end-result - better and happy contact between the people of the two countries.
The enthusiasm of the Indians was enormous as they traversed a long distance and crossed the barriers set up at the border to give cheers to the players of the two combating sets, never mind whether they were Pakistanis or Indians. Whichever team cruised to victory earned the applause of the visiting onlookers. It was a tremendous setting never seen before in any India-Pakistan cricketing engagement.
There had been some accusations of match-fixing, which are day by day gaining ground with former captain Rashid Latif coming on TV to say the match of the 4th ODI at Lahore cannot taken as a clean one for Pakistan's bowling had been too erratic and suspect and the batting of the lower order was irresponsible. Some scribes have also concurred with the viewpoint of Rashid. The PCB has its own opinion. Let us wait for the real truth.
The scene now shifts to the Test matches, the first of which is set to be staged in Multan tomorrow. Certainly Karachi will be regretting that it was denied the right to arrange a Test encounter. But this is just the beginning of the two countries' exchange of cricket tours. Perhaps the Indian government will soften its stand later and Karachi too will be included in future itineraries, security reservations will vanish into thin air.
India has beefed up its squad for the three Tests on schedule. Injured Agarkar, a seamer and a hard hitter of the ball, and their experienced and key spinner Anil Kumble have been given certificates of fitness to join the entourage touring Pakistan. With Irfan Pathan, Zaheer Khan and Balaji, Agarkar will be a good addition as a fast medium bowler. With the coming into the main fold of Kumble their slow stuff will give considerable trouble to the Pakistani batsmen, even though the strips are likely to be fast and unhelpful to the spinners. Either Ramesh Powar or Murali Kartik will be inducted into the set to provide variety along with the crafty leg-breaker that Kumble is.
The batting of India will, as usual, be powerful enough even though Pakistan's bowling will a difficult proposation to be handled.
A much more responsible approach by the Pakistan batsmen and bowlers will make the duels more tough than the one-dayers. The Indians have returned from Australia after evening the series. They may probably be odds-on favourites but on their own setting and grounds the Pakistani players will tackle their rivals like famishing tigers.
One hopes Saqlain Mushtaq, off-spinner, is given his rightful place in the main Pakistan lineup. With his inclusion the Pakistan squad will be as balanced as the Indian set.
A prediction in cricket is usually risky but a stiff fight will most likely be witnessed by the connoisseurs at the two venues - Multan, Pindi and Lahore. The atmosphere will again be congenial and friendly. Whatever may be the outcome the fare will be enjoyable for the crowds.
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