All normal here …

Quite oblivious to the Pak security personnel burning midnight oil to ensure they return to India in one piece, the Indian players spent their first night in Pakistan in a most relaxed atmosphere. After having travelled from Kolkata to Delhi and then onwards to Lahore the team appeared too tired to do anything, let alone venture out and do some shopping. But shopping sessions aplenty are scheduled when they return to Lahore for the last two ODIs of the series. The team members had a good time at their hotel, the Pearl Continental, mingling with other guests at the hotel and fans who had managed to find their way to their proximity. Speaking to The Indian Express, Media Manager Amrit Mathur said that the players are ‘‘enjoying themselves’’ and there is no ‘‘fear factor’’. Mathur also said, ‘‘Last night at the open air restaurant Bukhara, most players had their dinner in peace and were not disturbed at all. But just like in India, they were approached for autographs. It’s just been very normal out here.’’

This, however, is in total contradiction to the rumours doing the rounds here. The Press Centre at the Stadium was rife with rumours that the security was so tight that even the tea and food provided to the Indians was first being tasted and then served.

…Except for the crowd

India’s tour opener against Pakistan A was hardly the sort of start the Pakistan Cricket Board would have been hoping for. There were just two enclosures (as the stands are called here) open to the public — the General and the Javed Miandad stands — but even they had a number of empty seats. The other enclosures, ground authorities informed, are being spruced up for the Tests and ODIs scheduled later. Tickets were going at Rs 75, but the poor publicity in the lead-up to the match resulted in most not turning up to get a glimpse of the celebrity tourists.

And the Exam Factor

Another factor was that like in India, it is exam season here and most children are busy poring through their notes. But for 10-year-old Sohail Chaudhary and 20-year-old Tahir Islam — both at the ground today — it was the moment of their young lives. Sohail has just finished his fourth standard exams and was very excited, saying, ‘‘I love Sachin Tendulkar. I have just come to see him’’, even as Tahir explained animatedly that he had to bunk college and come over to watch Rahul Dravid, a chance he ‘‘just couldn’t miss’’.